Detroit Pistons

Cavaliers coach Mike Brown turned the keys over to his top assistant before summer league play last season.

For the Pistons, the Las Vegas summer league officially opens at 6 p.m. today, when they play the Sacramento Kings.

The Raptors landed forward Hedo Turkoglu on Thursday as part of a sign-and-trade, coming off a season in which he helped the Magic reach the NBA Finals.

John Kuester seemed a little uncomfortable in his debut news conference as Pistons head coach. I don't know if that was because he was speaking to more than 100 people, or because of the gravity of the moment, or because his seat was on fire. Welcome to the Pistons, John, where the team usually wins and the coach usually gets a nice severance.

John Kuester is Joe Dumars' sixth head coach in 10 years. Here's how the previous five fared in their first full season: 2000-01 George Irvine 32-50 2001-02 Rick Carlisle 50-32

John Kuester wasn't sure he'd have the opportunity to be a head coach again.

Washington and Plaisted, '08 2nd rounders, hoping to stick

Kuester preaches trust as Pistons coach

And the rest of him, too. In the midst of the team’s busiest free agency in years, it still seems that there is one shoe left to drop.  At present, the only player capable of manning the Center position is Kwame Brown.  That’s not an easy problem to solve. That’s why I love hearing (albeit from Bass’ [...]

That’s what an unnamed “league source” has told Y!’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who’s been killing it this offseason with the scoops. Apparently it’s a two-year deal for the MLE that likely includes a partial guarantee for a third season. (Update: Woj just said on Twitter that the total guaranteed value is $15 million.) For reference, the [...]

As reported by, well, everyone, it looks like Joe Dumars is close to making this official. Take it away, Sherrod Blakely! Cleveland Cavaliers assistant John Kuester will be named the Detroit Pistons’ next head coach, although no formal announcement is expected today. A league official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the multi-year contract between Kuester [...]

As we say hello to the two newest Pistons, Charlie Villaneuva and Ben Gordon, we also are saying good bye to one of the most respected Pistons of all times, Antonio McDyess. The Pistons held their press conference today for the signings of both BG and Villaneuva at the Palace making the two of them official [...]

**UPDATE: Here’s a report from SI saying it’s official. The Detroit Pistons have agreed to terms with Cavaliers assistant coach John Kuester to be their new head coach, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told SI.com. Another league source said the contract was for two seasons with a team option for a third year. It’s looking more [...]

I came across this picture of  first round pick Austin Daye in his Pistons jersey and noticed a patch on the right shoulder. You can see there’s a ‘CD’ inside the classic Bad Boys era logo for the late Chuck Daly with the #2 which is retired at the Palace in Chuck’s honor for the back-to-back [...]

The Detroit Pistons begin their summer league games starting Friday, July 10th in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Summer League will have 22 teams playing this season, 21 NBA teams and a All-Star roster from the NBA's D-League. Here is...

The NBA players association is angered with the NBA over a warning in a memo it sent teams projecting a free-fall in the salary cap for the 2010-2011 season. July 9, CBS Sports: The memo sent early Wednesday morning told...

For just the second time since the implementation of the salary cap, NBA teams will have less money to spend on their rosters than they did in the previous season.

With teams scrambling to sign free agents now that they have become eligible to sign with new teams, the off-season is now in full swing. After previously covering the Bucks and Pacers, I will now move on to take a look at the Detroit Pistons, who finished right behind the Chicago Bulls last season both in the division and the Eastern Conference. This coming season, however, the Pistons will look quite different, with a new coach and a revamped roster.

Record Last Year:39-43, 3^rd in Central Division, 8^th in East

Who's New: SG Ben Gordon (free agent), SF Jonas Jerebko (draft), F DaJuan Summers (draft), PF Austin Daye (draft), PF Charlie Villanueva (free agent), F/C Fabricio Oberto

Who's Gone:F Amir Johnson, PF Antonio McDyess, coach Michael Curry

Free Agents:G Allen Iverson, F Walter Herrmann, PF Rasheed Wallace, C Kwame Brown (player option)

Estimated Salary Cap Status (excluding draft picks): At least $33.75 million (estimated $53.75 million) definitely committed for 09-10 (estimated $58 million cap)

Strengths: This team has some definite talent that they can build around. G Rodney Stuckey is developing into a true scorer, who can get in the paint at will and finish both near the rim and from long range. SF Tayshaun Prince is a brilliant defender (he has covered all positions except PG, and averaged a positive PER difference compared to opponents' counterparts in all 4 of those positions), who has ridiculously long arms, decent range, and, despite his slight frame, never gets hurt. SG Richard Hamilton is a genuine sharpshooter and natural scorer (career 19.3 points per 36 minutes, 17.9 per game), and he is also a pretty solid passer. Ben Gordon will likely take Hamilton's starting role, which may make him available to other teams via trade, but Gordon will be an excellent replacement. Gordon is a phenomenal scorer who excels under pressure (36.3 points per 48 minutes in clutch situations). Villanueva could be a solid rebounder and low-post offensive threat after averaging 21.7 points and 8.9 boards per 36 minutes last season. F/C Jason Maxiell can rebound and block shots well off the bench, and he's been known to eat babies (check out the T-shirt) along with weak shots (Tyson Chandler knows) for late evening snacks. Daye and Summers could possibly contribute off the bench (Daye's body needs to bulk up to allow him to use his talents in the physical NBA), and Jerebko, who some liken to Andres Nocioni, will probably continue to develop overseas. If they bring back AI, he'll offer elite scoring once again, but I'll bet they'll let him and Sheed (who has signed with the Celtics) walk.

Weaknesses:This team had some awful chemistry last year, and watching them play was a real eyesore. The huge changes in Detroit might mean more chemistry issues, but only time will tell. Selfish play from the likes of AI and Sheed, together with beef between Rip and Coach Curry (who has just been canned), doomed this team from the start last season. Sheed should be particularly ashamed of himself, mailing in game after game and his overall play smacked of apathy. His scoring average per 36 minutes was his lowest since his rookie season, and he shot a career-low 41.9% from the field, which is atrocious for a power forward. Luckily for the Pistons, his contract is up, and he can chuck up 3's and carry on with his shameful play somewhere else. Villanueva is a good start in trying to improve the post presence, but he'll need help, which the Pistons can't offer him presently. Dealing Hamilton (which apparently isn't likely to happen) could bring that help, but, as it stands, this team will have to play small-ball, and they will have to play at a high tempo, which doesn't suit Charlie V all that well. Also, while Stuckey is undoubtedly talented, he's not a true point guard, and the Pistons really don't have anyone on the roster who can run an offense like a true point guard. The biggest problem, though, will be defense. Aside from Prince and Maxiell, this team doesn't have very good defensive players, and talented guards in particular are going to light up the Pistons backcourt.

Outlook: This team's future is too difficult to predict. The Pistons have made some big changes, but there are still plenty of holes that need filling in this franchise, including a coach who can attempt to bring all the pieces together. I could see this team finishing anywhere from 5^th to 10^th in the East, and, while I predict that they'll make the playoffs, I'm not confident in any predictions I make concerning the Pistons.

Prediction:44-40, 3^rd in Central Division, 7^th in East

-Salary Info. From HoopsHype

-Advanced Info. From Basketball-Reference & 82Games

-Additional Player Info. From ESPN & Yahoo!

As you all know, the Celtics negotiated with free agent forward Rasheed Wallace, who has verbally agreed to join the C's, and looks to sign a two-year deal for the full mid-level exception on Wednesday.

The addition of Sheed will impact the team in a way I can't yet figure out. His off-court attitude will certainly be a problem, especially if he's going to be with us for two years (unless trades or injuries change that). But it's been said that teammates love him and guys think he's a winner. After all, Kevin Garnett did hunt him down.

After the jump, analysis on the great Rasheed Wallace (kidding on the "great" part guys, no need to bash me... or is there?).

In what's been a wild and crazy past few days, here's the latest in what's going on in the Cavs world.

Cavs Assistant Moving On

After Avery Johnson and Joe Dumars could not come to terms on becoming the next Detroit Pistons head coach, Dumars turned to a familiar face and has picked Cavaliers assistant John Kuester as the next Pistons head coach.

The Detroit Pistons have agreed to terms with Cavaliers assistant coach John Kuester to be their new head coach, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told SI.com.

Another league source said the contract was for two seasons with a team option for a third year.

Kuester has been with the team since 2007, when he replaced Kenny Natt on Mike Brown's staff.

Kuester has been credited in revamping the team's lowly offense and turning it into a much improved unit. He served as the de facto "offensive coordinator" on Mike Brown's staff and handled a lot of the offensive duties last year.

LeBron Denies Commitment To Ariza

The 2010 circus continues to grow.

After Trevor Ariza claimed that LeBron told him he was staying past the 2010 season, LeBron's camp came out and denied that.

According to a source close to LeBron James, the current NBA Most Valuable Player did not tell free agent Trevor Ariza that he was for sure going to be with the Cavaliers past 2010.

So what's the real story here?

My best guess is that what Ariza said is probably true and LeBron's camp is trying to cover this up and act like nothing happened. Ariza has nothing to gain from putting this out in the press so why would he make this stuff up? It's not likely he did.

So why did LeBron's camp deny this if he's staying? This just seems like LeBron trying to keep things close to the vest and keep the media guessing, which he seems to love to do.

So even though the Cavs missed out on Ariza, more good news came from this than any other "loss" the Cavs have had this off-season.

(P.S. - the secret meeting in Los Angeles that Ferry and Brown went to, was supposedly to meet with Ariza to sway him to coming to the Cavs. Ariza supposedly considered signing with the Cavs, after agreeing with the Rockets, but decided to stay with Houston.)

Marion To Mavs, Not Cavs

The Cavs were supposedly interested in adding Shawn Marion but not it appears he'll be heading to Texas.

The Mavericks and Toronto Raptors, according to NBA front-office sources, are in advanced discussions on a sign-and-trade deal that would bring Marion to Dallas.

Shawn Marion and his agent, Dan Fegan, have been looking for a deal somewhere in the range of $10 million per year and they're not going to get that on the open market so the only way to get that money is through a sign-and-trade.

The most the Cavs could have offered for Marion was their full MLE (around $5.8 million). The Cavs weren't also likely to offer him long-term security, which could have been another sticking point.

While Marion could have added some much needed talent to the Cavs lineup, the fit would be questionable. Marion is best suited in an up-tempo offense where his size and shooting ability are disguised and his athletic ability is highlighted. Putting him in a half-court offense would highlight and disguise all the wrong things.

Ferry Is After Frye

With the "stretch" power forward market starting to thin out, the Cavs have started to set their sights on a long time Danny Ferry favorite in Channing Frye.

After making a free-agent scouting trip to Los Angeles on Sunday, Cavs GM Danny Ferry came home and hosted free-agent power forward Channing Frye on Monday at the team's practice facility in Independence. Frye is the type of "stretch" forward the Cavs are interested in during the free-agent period as they look to find big men who can hit jumpers when teams collapse on LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal.

While Frye may not be the name that most fans would want to see in connection with the Cavs, the PF options are starting to slim out and it's looking like if the Cavs want a decent, well-priced, stretch PF, then this is likely to be their best bet.

After having a breakout rookie season in New York, Frye was shipped off to Portland where he struggled to play and produce behind guys like LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla.

Frye is a guy that Ferry has been very high on for a long time, similarly too Delonte West, and could be a guy that the Cavs may ultimately end up with.

The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns are also supposedly in the running, with the Suns being the rumored favorites to land Frye's services.

McDyess Would Be Nice

Another one of the Cavs top PF targets is former Detroit Piston, Antonio McDyess.

McDyess is reportedly waiting until the Pistons have a new head coach to make a decision on whether or not he wants to re-sign with the Pistons.

In addition to the Pistons being interested, the Cavs (supposedly have offered their full MLE over two years), Magic and Spurs have McDyess in their sights, with the Spurs being the favorites as of now.

Hey LeBron! Your Boy J-Kidd Even Rejected The Knicks!

Yep, LeBron's "boy", Jason Kidd, turned down the Mecca of Basketball and the best city in the whole wide world (sarcasm) to stay in Dallas, Texas.

The free agent point guard has agreed to sign a three-year contract for more than $25 million to remain with Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of the Mavericks. The New York Knicks were among Kidd's suitors.

The Knicks were supposedly offering Kidd a similar deal, which was seemingly in opposition of their plan to clear as much cap space for the 2010 off-season as possible. The Knicks probably saw this as an opportunity to get one of LeBron's friends in New York, so they could make it easier for him to leave Cleveland.

So let's hope LeBron takes a page of his buddies book and does the same thing as J-Kidd: turn down NY to stay with his current team.

Wade 'I'll Stay If They Contend'

Looks like Dwyane Wade is taking a stand about his future in Miami.

"I'm going to listen. I owe the Miami Heat that much. I'm going to listen to what they have to say and I'm going to think about it," Wade told The Associated Press. "But right now, the way I feel, I want to make sure that we're on track to where I want us to be on track to before I sign back."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"I'm good with that," Wade said, "for one year."

Another season around .500, though, won't be as enticing.

"That's not enough for me," said Wade.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I've told Coach Riley this: All my life, all I've ever wanted to do is win and be put in a position where I can win and succeed," Wade said. "Build me a team. Put the pressure on me to win a championship. Give me a team and say, 'All right, you've got to go do it,' and I'll take that pressure. Give me guys that we feel can compete every year to win a championship. I don't want to go anywhere else."
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"I want to make sure that we stay competitive and we have an opportunity to win championships, like I've done before," Wade said. "I don't want to be content with winning games. I don't want to win games. I want to win championships. That's what I'm all about."

Looks like Wade is a bit unhappy about being on a team that doesn't exactly have a championship caliber future.

So if Wade and LeBron have similar minds, does that mean LeBron is staying in Cleveland then?

Cavs In Contact With Linas Kleiza

One of the more interesting names mentioned this off-season in connection with the Cavs, could be forward Linas Kleiza.

Kleiza, a restricted free agent, has supposedly been in contact with the Cavs, as well as the Toronto Raptors throughout this free agency period.

Kleiza, a Lithuanian, is a very interesting player. He's a swing forward with good shooting ability. But his ability to put points on the board fast, along with this potential, is perhaps his best trait. He doesn't exactly fit into the defensive mold that Mike Brown likes but Kleiza has the potential to develop into a decent defender with the Cavs.

Kleiza is only 24 years old and has a lot of room left to grow. For the right price, he could be a nice piece to develop and have come off the bench to provide some bench scoring, something the Cavs sorely lacked last year.

Drew Gooden Wouldn't Mind The Cavs?

DrewGooden The teams I wouldn't mind going to, Spurs, Cav's, Magic, and Golden St! What do you guys think?

What do I think Drew? There aren't enough words in the dictionary to say how I would feel about you coming back. The shortest and nicest word in the dictionary: NO.

Sheed A Celtic

Yet another reason to hate the Celtics.

Sheed is going to Boston.

The Boston Globe reported Wallace will sign for two years at the midlevel exception.

This will be interesting to see how the rest of the Celtics off-season pans out. Leon Power (UFA) and Glen Davis (RFA) are both free agents and it doesn't look like either are expected to be back at this current point in time.

This move also let's us know what we already know: the Celtics championship window is closing and closing fast.

Even though Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins represent good, young talent on the Celtics, the rest of the core is aging fast. Garnett is 33. Allen is 33. Pierce is 31.

Looks like the Cavs won't have to be worrying about the Celtics for too many more years.

LeBron Gets A Special Invite

Looks like LeBron and Dan Gilbert are going to get some extra time to bond together....in Idaho.

LeBron James will be spending some time with friend Warren Buffett at the prestigious Allen & Company media industry conference in Sun Valley, Idaho.

But it wasn't Buffett who got James and LRMR Marketing CEO Maverick Carter the invite to the ultra-elite five-day conference that has been labeled as "summer camp for billionaires." It is a place for executives and movers and shakers in the media industry to share ideas and sometimes strike major deals.

According to a source, James got his extremely hard-to-secure invite with help from Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert, who will be attending the event for the seventh consecutive year. Gilbert has been pushing for James to be included for the last couple years.

James and Gilbert are among about 260 guests and their families on the guest list, which is expected to include Bill Gates, Rupert Murdoch, NBA Commissioner David Stern, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettmen.

That pretty much wraps up what has been a crazy free agency period to start and there's going to be a lot more of that still to come.