]]> http://pistonpost.com/sheed-grows-in-ben-wallaces-image/feed/ 5 http://pistonpost.com/sheed-a-celtic/ http://pistonpost.com/sheed-a-celtic/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:13:13 +0000 Adam http://pistonpost.com/?p=797 After many successful, frustrating years with Detroit, Rasheed Wallace has committed to the Boston Celtics. As a Sheed fan since his early Blazer days, the move to the rival Celtics stings. San Antonio and Orlando wouldn’t have been much better, but the Celtics may be the worst place he could have landed from a Pistons fan’s point of view.

I’m actually pretty surprised he signed with Boston, considering his playing time will be considerably lower compared to signing with the Magic or Spurs. The Celtics will likely use their mid-level exception and sign him for two years. $5.6 million is a bargain for Sheed will probably do when he’s on a Boston roster that actually motivates him.

I will remember Sheed like I remember Michael Jackson: blocking out all the “questionable” things he did in his career. I guess that includes signing with the Boston Celtics. Guess I should’ve seen it coming.

From Boston Globe:

An NBA source said tonight that Detroit free agent forward Rasheed Wallace has committed to sign with the Celtics on July 8 when free agents are able to sign. Wallace is expected to get a two-year deal using the mid-level exception (expected to be about $5.6 million to $5.8 million). Celtics All-Star trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, owner Wyc Grousbeck, coach Doc Rivers and president Danny Ainge met with Wallace last week. Wallace turned down overtures from Orlando and San Antonio to commit to Boston.
The Celtics also have interest in Suns free agent forward Grant Hill. Despite a Fanhouse report that Rivers was to meet with Hill today in Orlando, its uncertain if he did and Rivers declined comment. All Boston can offer is the $1.9 million bi-annual exception.

Regardless, in the amount of time it took for Magic fans to read the article, Rasheed did a complete 180 from a no-good cry baby to an impeccable team player and all-around great guy. Newly ordained Sheed-worshippers commented relentlessly, and 78% of the poll voters agreed that he would fit like a glove in Orlando’s system. He would put the Magic in a lock for the championship, they said. Despicable!

But wait. How many Pistons fans thought about Rasheed in the same manner before February 19, 2004? I’m willing to bet it was a good amount.

—

For many, when the Billups-Iverson trade was announced, A.I. was golden. Finally, an energetic superstar who could penetrate the lane and had the heart of a lion. He could do no wrong. We laughed when he made his press conference “practice” allusion and we couldn’t wait for Allen to take us to the next level.

By the end of the seaons, Allen Iverson was an old, greedy, washed-up NBA antique whom the Pistons should’ve stayed as far away from as possible. Many wanted Chauncey back.

—

Ever since Boston purchased their All Star team, I’ve despised the Big Three. Yes, I hate the way Ray Allen chews gum. Yes, I hate how good Paul Pierce is at mid-range fadeaways. And yes, I think Kevin Garnett needs to lower the dose of whatever medication he’s taking.

But the truth is, when the Celtics offered us Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen, I was all over it. Rondo…a flopper? Never. He’s a future All-Star! Allen…a lucky shot-hog? Never. He’s a future Hall-of-Famer! I’ve always found it disturbing that Rajon Rondo ends up on the ground after every lay-up, but to be honest, I’d be happy to have him do it in a Pistons jersey. If the offer wasn’t so lopsided, many would have thought the same way.

Call it desperation if  you will, the desire to have a team that’s on top again. But we’re all just hypocrites in the end…in the sports world at least.

• It’s tough for the Detroit Pistons to get accustomed to the sweets sound of the Jazz being played in Utah. The Pistons fell to the Utah Jazz again last night, 99-82, in Salt Lake City which marked the fourth straight season that the Jazz have swept the Pistons in the regular season. [Eric]

•Mehmet Okur was hot early and dominated all 21 minutes he was on the floor. Finishing 8-9 from the field, Memo continues to be a “bad karma” Pistons-killer. [Adam]

•Iverson may have needed Teena Marie to help him out to “turn on his fire and desire.” He was noticeably out of sync and made no excuses, as indicated in his quote after the game.
“No excuses,” Iverson said. “It had nothing to do with being the last game of the trip, dead legs, anything. They were just better than us and they whooped us tonight.” [Eric]

•Stuckey had to “use them and abuse them” as he went off for 19 points to lead Detroit. [Eric]

•Stuck’s ability to play through 33 minutes of pain while commiting minimal turnovers (1) demonstrates his impending leadership. He has shown that his team comes before himself. [Adam]

•Sheed’s back, and although his 8-and-4 performance wasn’t breathtaking, it could have been worse. He’ll shake the rust off. [Adam]

•While failing in other defensive aspects, the Pistons did a superb job containing the monster that is Paul Millsap. Detroit halted his double-double streak at 19 games, the Jazz’ longest since John Stockton’s record 27. [Adam]

•Although the Jazz may have dimmed their flame just a tidbit, the Pistons will continue to roll as they will face the Charlotte Bobcats at home on Tuesday. [Eric]

Short and simple: they needed someone who would punish our little drama queens when they got out of line.

Judging by his [lack of] decision-making during Sunday’s pitiful performance against the Knicks, he’s not doing a very good job.

There are so many questions. Why, after going scoreless in the first 4 minutes and finishing the first quarter down by 17 points, was the bench not in sooner? How did Walter Herrmann sit the first 3 quarters when the Pistons were getting manhandled? Why did Rodney Stuckey only notch 17 minutes when AI had the shot selection of Larry Hughes (that’s not a compliment)? AI chose a shot over an open man so many times I can’t count them on both hands. Allen Iverson does NOT deserve to start the next game. Start Stuckey in his place.

There wasn’t a problem with Rip until he decided to screw his team over just so he could throw a cheap elbow at Jared Jeffries. The Pistons were within 5 points and this game could have been won with Rip’s sharpshooting, had he not been ejected. Rip does NOT deserve to start the next game. Start Afflalo in his place.

And Sheed. Sheed, Sheed, Sheed. What are we going to do with you? You start and stop on a dime. If only there was some other way to get you started other than technical fouls (which apprently didn’t work today). Is there some magic button Michael Curry can press that turns the lackadaisical Sheed into the low-post offensive monster that he was before he won that big, shiny ring? Rasheed does NOT deserve to start the next game. Start Antonio McDyess in his place.

When the Pistons win, it seems like the headlines always mention how someone came off the bench and carried the Pistons on their back. It always seems like such a surprise to the media when Arron Afflalo scores 15 points or Rodney Stuckey gets 10 assists. Why? These guys play with exponentially greater willpower than anyone who starts (save Tayshaun Prince), and it shows by the way they actually want to win. Get these guys in the game and keep them in the game.

For 4 years I’ve watched the Pistons dwindle into some washed-up team who would like another ring, but doesn’t truly want it. It’s hard to say but it’s true. Luxury continues to trump necessity. The bench, however, has the drive. The reserves have consistently showed Michael Curry their ability time after time, but he does not seem to be understanding.

So far, all I see is Flip Saunders II.

The Answer notched 25 points on 7-12 shooting.  It’s a beautiful sight to see AI meshing in so well with Detroit’s system, I can honestly say I didn’t think the new-look Pistons would look this good, this fast.  Anybody who thinks Allen Iverson can’t adjust to the Pistons offense needs to re-assess- Tayshaun and Sheed both had more field goal attempts than Iverson.
Kobe Bryant held to 12-30 shooting.
The Pistons continue to give far too many offensive rebounds up.  The Lakers had 16 offensive boards, as opposed to Detroit’s 7.  Detroit compensated last night with their hot shooting, but those numbers aren’t going to fly in other situations.
Tayshaun was remarkable.
Arron Afflalo logged some heavy minutes, and made the best of his hefty time (26 minutes).  I keep noticing Iverson-Afflalo connections, particularly during streaking fast breaks, that could evolve to something notable soon.
Sasha Vujacic is an a**.

Detroit pulled off a 100-93 win in Toronto yesterday night- without Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, or Allen Iverson.  Chauncey still hasn’t taken his physical over in Denver, but it is scheduled for today so Iverson is almost guaranteed against the Nets on Friday.

It was “one of those games” for Tayshaun, who knocked down 10 of 13 and finished with 27 points, 9 rebounds.  He was unguardable last night, swooping to the bucket at will.

There were so many second-chance points that fell in favor of Detroit.  I can’t remember how many times Amir or Sheed would tip the ball in after a miss, or swipe it back up to Stuckey or Bynum at the point.

On the subject of Will Bynum, what can I say about him?  He really came out of nowhere.  The guy can get to the rim at any time, whenever he wants to.  His box score doesn’t show it, but he has some serious potential and I hope his role only expands.  Wonder why we’re winning without an Iverson or a Billups?  There’s your answer.

Jose Calderon has nothing on Rodney Stuckey.

Bosh was a force last night, and even though he missed 13 of his 24 attempts, he was the reason Toronto was as close as they were.

Sheed hit a monster three ball from about 6 feet behind the line.

Amir Johnson picked up his first foul 51 seconds into the game.  I know the refs are a bit tough on him, but he really just has to learn to play defense that isn’t right up on the other man.