Mulligan for Dumars?
A mulligan is when a golfer is allowed to not count a poor shot on his scorecard, I think the technical term is “Do Over”. At this point, many have wondered when Detroit Pistons President, Joe Dumars, would regret one of his moves and take a mulligan…or 5. The coming week will tell us a lot about which one it was. Here are a few opportunities that may present themselves as the 2014 NBA trade deadline approaches:
The 2013 Draft Pick:
If Joe trades for or drafts a shooting guard, this could be his way of desiring a do-over with last year’s draft of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Many Pistons fans wanted a point guard in Trey Burke, Michael Carter-Williams, or C.J. MCollum, since then guard Brandon Knight took to shooting guard in a big way during the second half of last year. By bringing in point guard, Jose Calderon, last year it allowed Knight to make this move as an experiment. You can’t be too picky with a number eight draft pick. Dumars already, in a sense, asked for a mulligan when he traded Knight to get Brandon Jennings. The Brandon Knight experiment was over.
Trading Monroe:
This would end the Monroe experiment who started as a center, then a power forward, then a center/power forward. He has adapted nicely, except for the fact that most starting power forwards in the NBA have a mid-range jumper. Being his fourth year in the league, one would think this would be established by now. Maybe that is what Rasheed Wallace has waited until last to teach him. There is a rare mid-range jumper done in a game, but mostly are off and make the Pistons seem desperate to shoot or just try something. Something to watch would be if Joe Dumars adds a power forward or just trades Monroe and gets one in return. If we trade for another, this would mean that Monroe is set for the title first-big-off-the-bench.
Adding a Point Guard:
This would tell us that Chauncey Billups has played his last year and destined for an administrative position in the Pistons organization. Also, that Rodney Stuckey has his days numbered (potentially) as another guard to handle the ball would be necessary before Will Bynum, who has always been considered a change-of-pace point guard.
Trade for Aaron Afflalo:
One of the dumbest trades Dumars did was trade Afflalo and Walter Sharpe (WHO???? He would be the one that had narcolepsy. He was last seen playing only 2 games last year with the GlobalPort Batang Pier before being kicked off the team for…a picture going viral of him sleeping on a parking lot pavement) to the Denver Nuggets for a second round draft pick and $350k to cover Sharpe’s contract. This second round draft pick ended up being Vernon Macklin who was not extended a qualifying offer from the Pistons in the summer of 2012 and was last seen playing for the Philippine Basketball Association last year (spin.ph).
Trade Josh Smith:
This speaks for itself. Many fans have expected more out of Smith. At times Smith fulfills our expectations, but many times has not. Maybe a new coach would assist him. Either way, he shoots too many long-range 2s and 3s…and misses. With our big men it is idiotic to just shoot these long jumpers when a pass or drive would immediately provide a higher percentage shot. On the other hand we have seen points per game, blocks per game, and rebounds per game go up since last year. Additionally, free throw % has decreased. This is a signing I just don’t see Joe taking a mulligan on quite yet.
Dumars has taken many mulligans with head coaches, so we know he has the history and potential to do this. The most recent one, owner Tom Gores, has taken the responsibility for (which begs the question of, how much of Joe D’s power did Gores take away?). If the Pistons will be considered legitimate for a playoff push, and to be considered seriously by any of the many free agents, they will be trading next week.
Which of the above do you think Joe will ask for a mulligan for?
What is another mulligan that was obvious over the years?
Do you believe Gores will allow Dumars to make a trade next week?
Share your thoughts!
