Aussie_Wing

How does one of the rising superstars of the NBA coming off the bench sound? He would be getting 25 minutes a game, and contributing a fair bit more than Darko has/is. And honestly dallas27, if Darko got 20 minutes a game, we wouldn't be playing for the last playoff spot. If we're truly 'untouchable' as you said, then surely playing Darko wouldn't hinder this? And If Darko doesn't get 15-20 minutes per game, then I find it highly unlikely Amir Johnson, an 18 y/o straight out of High School, will. I didn't say that I would play Milicic 15-20 a game, I said I think Dumars will make Saunders give him this amount of time.

How exactly are they ***? And what rules are stupid that made the game seem boring and stupid to you? You're darn right Ryan Barnes, Aussie Rules is not for the timid. That's what makes our game so great, the hardiness and committment they show each week is awesome.

Well what an absoulute waste drafting Darko was then. I say we should either give him 15-20 minutes a game, or trade him for someone that will give us huge support immediately. I just cannot believe we chose Darko over Wade or Bosh or ANYONE.

I wasn't being sarcastic, you knew I wasn't so get a grip. Honestly, Dumars will make sure that whoever our next coach is, he will play Darko for 15-20 mins. You're quite aware that Dumars has not been happy with the amount of time he's recieved, so this is bound to change.

Well won't this please Darko and Delfino! Darko will be looking at 20 minutes a game next season. Larry Brown has a serious problem, please welcome the next New York Knicks coach....

Conclusions from the Summer League: Jason Maxiell: 15 ppg @ 51.9%. Amir Johnson: 8.8 ppg @ 69.2%. Alex Acker: 14.4 ppg @ 52.7%. All had solid tournaments. Should all be looking at 10-20 minutes per game next season, probably Maxiell to see the most court time. Maxiell was announced a 1st Team All Star, while Acker was named in the 2nd team. Darko Milicic: 9.8 ppg @ 36.7%, 5.8 rpg. Struggled throughout the entire tournament. Not a great inaugural Summer League. Signs are not good, you would have thought he had to put in a solid performance to be looking at decent court time next season. Ricky Paulding: 4.2 ppg @ 33.3%. Gone, without a doubt. Joe Dumars said this was the make or break tournament for Ricky, and I can safely say that his days as a Pistons are numbered. Andreas Glyniadakis: Played 1 minute in the Summer League. Same fate as Paulding.

What about Jason Maxiell? Should contribute about 10 pts and 5 rebs per outing. I have to say that I'm very satisfied with how we went in the draft.

Suprised nothing has been said about the Summer League. Amir Johnson, 18 y/o, scored 21 pts on 8-9 shooting!

I thought it would be a bad final. In my opinion it was one of the best ladies finals I can remember. Both played great, thought Davenport had it won on Championship point, but Venus just kept holding in there. Great match. Federer too good.....

Worst ladies final ever......

Jason Maxiell: Welcome to the first round, Mr. Maxiell. This pick is a bit of a shocker because few expected Maxiell to go so high. He's certainly a polished and feisty post player, but he just doesn't seem to have the height to play power forward--his only true position--as a starter in the NBA. The Pistons already have a player much like him in Darvin Ham, and he never sees the floor. Like other Cincy power forwards Maxiell has a lot of heart, skill, and an edge, but he's definitely a 'tweener.' He seemed destined for Round Two, but maybe Joe Dumars sees something more in him. Amir Johnson: Darko Milicic, meet Amir Johnson. Okay, okay...it's probably not quite that bad, but like Milicic, Johnson is a lanky, high-upside teenager who may or may not pan out. He is, however, an excellent choice for such a late slot. Johnson compares favorably to a young Jermaine O'Neal, and was overlooked by many scouts who drooled over high schoolers. In five years he could join Darko to give Motown a dominant post tandem. Or the two of them could end up as ticket punchers at the Palace. Whatever the case, it's a worthwhile risk in an era of few dominant big men.

What can I say about Pat Rafter. He was extremely successful until the latter stages of his carrer where he struggled to overcome constant shoulder injuries. He often found himself suffering from severe cramps quite often. He retired in 2002 and although there was constant talk about comebacks, he never returned. It's a shame because he really got Australian Tennis back on track, due to his two US Opens titles, Davis Cup glory and the fact that he was such as great guy. So unfortunately its very unlikely he will ever return. Alicia Molik pulled out of Wimbledon after an inner-ear infection affected her balance. "The condition affects my balance, perception and vision, and I haven't been able to play my usual serve-and-volley game as a result" Molik said. Hope that clears things up.

Charlie Villanueva Birthdate: 8/24/84 NBA Position: Small Forward College: Connecticut Class: Sophomore Ht: 6-11 Wt: 230 NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom Stregnths: A strong all around talent. Charlie excels at passing the ball, scoring from the perimeter and handling the ball on the break. His inside/outside game makes him a virtual lock for a double-double every night. His athleticism makes him an excellent rebounder and perimeter defender. Scores his points from all over; his height allows to shoot over almost everyone on the outside and also allows him take the ball down low. He's just starting to live up to his unbelievable potential. Weaknesses: A bit laid back at times, which leads to scoring in bunches and then going cold. Must understand that he will not always be the biggest and most athletic player on the floor. Strictly an inside talent, and could use some post development. Still soft at times, which leads to him being a weak interior defender. Not a great shot blocker, despite his athleticism and height. Needs to develop a killer instinct. Notes: If Charlie ever plays with the intensity that his teammate, Luol Deng plays with, he would be unstoppable. Great size and skill, a player who does a bit of everything.

'They also seek a small forward who can back up Tayshaun Prince, and a big man who can learn under Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess. We might as well say goodbye to Darko Milicic! Why would we be seeking another big man when we have an extremely talented teenager in Milicic? This makes no sense. There are numerous changes I would make for next season. Release Campbell and Ham. Give Milicic 15-20 minutes a game next season, and Delfino 20-25. Dupree, if he remains a Piston, should get more time too to allow Prince to play less time. I dont care either way with Arroyo. I'm actually disappointed because there was so much positive hype when he arrived in Detroit, but he's been a huge failure to this point. Another interesting read: The Pistons plan on making pass / fail assessments on 2004 draft pick Rickey Paulding and 2003 pick Andreas Glyniadakis during the summer league in Las Vegas. Dumars said the team will either keep them after watching them work out or release their rights.

Ivanovic beaten by Pierce 1-6, 4-6. Very disappointing indeed.

Watch out for Ana Ivanovic, her draw is quite good now that Henin is out. Lleyton is playing some good tennis, so I'm confident he can go deep into the tournament.

Next game wins in my opinion...

Yeh not many Detroit playoff games have been on TV in Australia, but I got this one. I see what your talking about, the officials are a disgrace. Especially in the 1st qtr, some of those calls were pathetic. Detroit are not looking good. Prince?????????? NOW IS THE TIME!

We just let up! SO PATHETIC, WE HAVE GOT NO IDEA HOW TO DEFEND!

Udrich cutting up Billups. WHAT IS HE DOING?!?

I want Dupree in for Prince. And anyone for Billups, ANYONE.

THATS MORE LIKE IT HAMILTON! As for Billups, ah dear...

This is embarrasing. Honestly, we are playign worse than the Charlotte Bobcats would!!! Put in some effort Detroit, I have never seen us play with so poorly.

I concur, congrats to the 2005 NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs. Billups- He is playing incredibly pathetic, can't even make a decent pass, can't hold on to the ball, couldn't make a shot if his life depended on it. He has four turnovers at 1/2 time. USELESS!!! Hamilton- Well I could go on forever. I can't think of too many games when Rip has played worse. I know he's got Bowen defending him, but surely he has to do more. Oh and he is being outscored by Bowen too. Prince- When his contract expires, should we resign him? He is totally inneffective, has shot 0-4, always seems to force shots, and he has been lazy out there. Huge dissapointment during the playoffs, when it really matters. Ben- Not desperate enough. Has 3 rebounds at half time, cant' shoot a free throw. McDyess is the only one who is playing well, and Rasheed has been OK.

I really think Prince has to step up. During the last half of the regular season, he was on fire, consistantly scoring 20+ pts. In the playoffs though, he just can't seem to get going. WE NEED YOU NOW PRINCE!!!