Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva Say Yes to the Detroit Pistons, Doug Collins Does Not
Joe Dumars has had what should be considered a typical week for an NBA exec. He fired his head coach and former teammate Michael Curry minutes away from the free agency signing period…sending shockwaves through the organization…and has no coach in place before summer league begins, but being one of the most determined GM’s in the league, Dumars will do whatever to get the Pistons back among the NBA elite so risks have to be taken. Though free agents can’t officially sign until July 8th, the Pistons have locked up former UConn stars Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva to multiyear contracts. Ben Gordon’s deal is
reportedly 5 years, 55 million with Villanueva receiving a 5 year, 35 million dollar deal. Look for Gordon to compete for NBA Sixth Man of the Year award for seasons to come based on his scoring explosiveness…specifically in the 4th quarter. I’m sure after the Pistons were butt kicked out of the playoffs by LeBron and the Cavs, Joe reminisced about 
his former teammate Vinnie the “Microwave” Johnson and recognized the Pistons had to do something about their offense fading late in pivotal games. Ben Gordon, the former Chicago Bull, is definitely the answer. Gordon is Andrew Toney like with his scoring binges and has been known to put up 20 plus in a quarter. In Villanueva, formerly of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Pistons get a versatile forward who fits the Pistons hardworking likeness. He’s long, athletic and young. He’ll probably play both forward spots. Crazy how Dumars has done all of this without a coach in place by most likely selling a D Rock City championship pedigree to the top free agents on his wish list. Incredible the Bucks didn’t extend a qualifying offer to Villanueva and Dumars pounced. As far as a head coach, Avery Johnson would be a great fit for Detroit and when Doug Collins withdrew his name from consideration, Pistons fans envisioning the Little General on the sidelines is almost inevitable. When will the ‘Sheed shoe drop?
The reason why Milwaukee let Charlie V go seems simple enough: not a Scott Skiles type of player. Skiles doesn’t want anybody on the roster who is better than he was as a player lol! But I like Villanueva and think he’ll play well in Detroit.
The Gordon signing is perplexing, however. Doesn’t this create a similar logjam in the backcourt as when Iverson was there? Gordon cannot flash his well-documented 4th quarter prowess from the bench, but how does he get on the court ahead of over-hyped golden boy Stuckey and team captain Hamilton who thinks he’s better than he is? Right now, I can’t see how this backcourt works in Detroit.
As I said last night, I like CV. I haven’t seen him play much since college, but he’s “a willing shooter.” 14 shots per game in 26 minutes is an indication he’ll let it fly. We know he can score. He needs to get his shooting percentage up a bit (better teammates should help).
LP:
I don’t believe the Pistons are done moving pieces — but you’ve gotta know that Joe Dumars has no hesitation whatsoever in rolling with a 3 guard offense. The Pistons won 2 titles with a 3 guard offense and an army of bangers and blockers. Joe probably thinks it can be done again. The roles won’t be exactly the same (if they keep these 3), but there isn’t a team in the league that could defend those 3 guys.
CV is fine although another big man who does not want to get into the paint and bang or rebound. A younger less skilled but less volitale Sheed.
Temple3 I agree that Joe D is not done moving pieces but to compare the 3 guards now to the 3 guards the Pistons had in the late 80s early 90s is ridiculous…and to say that there isn’t a team in the league that could defend these 3 guys is borderline crazy. On top of that who would they defend? Rip, Stuckey, and Gordan are not good defenders and none of them are willing to supplant their ego like Joe D and Vinnie were for the Bad Boys.
Right now who are your crunch time 5 for the Pistons? Stuckey, Rip, Gordon, CV, and Prince? That is a tiny line-up and how do you guard Dwight Howard, Shaq, or KG with that line-up let alone D-Wade and Lebron. Do not be surprised to see Rip or Stuckey (or even Prince) hit the road.
I like what Joe D is doing in the D and if he signs Avery, who’s style is tailor-made for this team, then the Pistons will be back to Eastern supremacy once again.
All thses moves being made just makes me say wow because there’s no balance of power in one conference now in the NBA. Just going on rosters there are about ten teams per conference who will be scrapping for sixteen total playoff spots next spring and the winner will definitely be all the hoop heads.