Thursday, June 26, 2008
2008 NBA Draft Chat Recap
Pistons.com editor Keith Langlois chatted live with fans during the 2008 NBA Draft on Thursday, June 26. The Pistons selected forward D.J. White with the 29th pick, but traded him to Seattle for two second round picks. Detroit then selected Walter Sharpe (Forward, UAB) 32nd and Trent Plaisted (Forward, BYU) 46th.
Stephen (Clarkston): If the pistons dont draft a Small Forward tonight, does that mean we'll be forced to resign jarvis? Id be more comfortable with giving Small forward Mins to Arron than jarvis.
Keith Langlois: Greetings. It's about a half-hour before the draft starts. I'll buzz through the questions already lined up in the queue until it starts and then be in and out of the chat throughout the draft. Stephen, no, not necessarily. I don't expect any decision to be made on Hayes until well into July or even August. If the Pistons draft a small forward, they're going to want to see what they have in the Las Vegas Summer League. Hayes won't be the only free agent backup small forward on the market, either. And then there's the trade market - in a year where Joe Dumars says he's looking to be active. So the backup small forward situation will be addressed after plenty of other things are put into place.
Matthew (Pinckney): Whats your take on the Raptors getting J. O'Neil? And could you see the pistons try and trade up tonight?
Keith Langlois: I liked that trade a lot for both teams, Matthew. If O'Neal is healthy - and the reports on him out of Las Vegas, where he's working out, are pretty good - then he makes Toronto a formidable team. O'Neal and Bosh up front make for a dynamic 1-2 punch and T.J. Ford was going to get squeezed out because of Jose Calderon. But Ford should be a great fit in Indiana, where his ability to push the ball should create open shots in transition - the way Jim O'Brien wants to play. I don't think the Pistons will trade up. I don't think they'll trade down, either, but I could easier see that happening.
donell clinton twp: i was looking at themock draft and i think the pistons do need a chris douglas roberts or a dj white, can you tell me your outlook on either player
Keith Langlois: I think there's a decent chance both of those players are there, Donell. I think CDR would be the pick, but I think the Pistons would take White, too. He's probably not the one guy they're hoping falls - I don't think there is one guy they think so much of they're hoping he falls, at least talking realistic possibilities - but White fits the Pistons' profile.
Angela (Canton): If Chris Douglas Roberts is selected by the Pistons would his addition make the Pistons bench better?
Keith Langlois: I like him. He's unorthodox. Not a great pure shooter, but he could become a very good pure scorer in the NBA. His motor reminds me a little of Rip Hamilton's - and that's saying something. I think some scouts are a little leery of him because he's tough to slot - a little slight to be a small forward, not a good enough pure shooter to be a great shooting guard. But I think he'll figure it out.
Andrea (Padova, Italy): hey Keith, who do you think is going to be the #1 pick? And do you think this draft will go down as one of the best and deepest drafts in history?
Keith Langlois: Pretty sure it's going to be Derrick Rose, Andrea. No, I don't think it's going to go down as one of the best. It is a pretty deep draft, if by deep you mean there will be players in the second round who'll eventually become at least valuable rotation players.
George, Grand Haven: Keith, What style of offense do you think Michael Curry will employ, and will that effect there Draft picks and or trades.I am sure Joe will influence this also.
Keith Langlois: I think he's going to push for an aggressive, attacking offense but one that values the basketball. He told me a few days after he was hired, for instance, that he wants Rodney Stuckey to be more aggressive, to err on the side of being too aggressive. He's going to demand the Pistons take the ball to the basket, get some points in the paint, get to the foul line. He's going to want to create offense out of defense, too. I don't think he's going to be a gambler, but he's going to get in your face.
Jerry (Indianapolis): So, Keith, it won't be Anthony and it won't be Baron Davis. What IS a potential deal that's quietly simmering until it's ready to serve?
Keith Langlois: The Davis thing was a complete fabrication, I suspect put out there by an agent looking to create interest in a client who'll be a free agent a year from now. The Anthony thing had - and still might have - some very real possibilities.
bobby (moreno valley,ca): is it anyway possible i could see a starting 5 of stuckey, hamilton, mcgrady,stoudamire,and johnson next season
Keith Langlois: Sure. Make up your own fantasy team. I don't think the Pistons' moves will be quite that dramatic.
ronny (royal oak): i like alex ainjinca do we have a chance of getting him
Keith Langlois: Ajinca is one of those guys who could go in the late lottery - or could slide out of the first round. If the Pistons go with a foreign big man, I think the guy would more likely be Serge Ibaka.
Brad (Allen Park): If Joe D is tighter with Curry than Flip, do you think Curry will play a larger role in the discussions tonight than Flip did in previous drafts? How involved are the coaches?
Keith Langlois: I think Joe D will solicit his opinion, but at the end of the day it's going to be Dumars making the call.
shawn(garden grove, CA): if the pistons have a choice between jason thompson and Chris Douglas Roberts who do you think they would choose?
Keith Langlois: My guess is CDR, but I don't think there's any chance I'm going to leave here tonight surprised by anything. It's the most uncertain draft in years. Somebody told me the other day that agents who have clients many have projected to go in the late lottery are worried they could slide out of the first round altogether.
Salo (Las VEGAS): is it possible to get Jason Maxiell for Al Thornton? if not what would it take to get Al Thornton? I Really think he would be a Great fit for the pistons
Keith Langlois: The Pistons like Thornton very much. They also like Maxiell very much. So do many teams around the league. I've been told that Maxiell is frequently asked about in trade talks by other teams.
Elmer, Jersey City: I believe it is one of these 3 the Pistons will be picking at 29th: Bill Walker, Jason Thompson or DJ White. Do you think so too? With Arnie Kander with us, it should be safe to pick Walker right?
Keith Langlois: Those are three names on my list - but it's loooong list. Kander would do as much as humanly possible to not only rehab Walker's knees as they are now, but help him develop a gait and a program that would give him his best shot to avoid recurrence.
Alec (Detroit): Who is the best player you can think of that was drafted in the second round?
Keith Langlois: Gilbert Arenas, Carlos Boozer, Michael Redd and Mehmet Okur come to mind.
Darren(Detroit): Do you think Joe D is going to do something drastic tonight?
Keith Langlois: I'm thinking his big move of the summer, if one is in the cards, will happen sometime in July after free agency begins - not signing a big-name free agent, but using the fluidity free agency generates to do a deal.
JOE (NEW HYDE PARK NY): TRADE T PRINCE AND THE 29TH PICK FOR JOSH HOWARD??
Keith Langlois: I'm not sure the Pistons would feel compelled to throw in a No. 1 pick in that deal. I like Howard. But that looks like a lateral move to me.
Jason ( Sterling Heights): I looked at your mock draft and you put Bill Walker at the 29th for the Pistons. i didn't see Chris Doglas-Roberts on your mock draft. Would he be available at the 29th pick. He is tall enough to play small forward and he could be the backup for prince if he is on the team at the end of the year.
Keith Langlois: Jason, I didn't expect CDR to be there until New Orleans traded out of the first round. Now I think it's a possibility. And as I wrote on my blog today, if it comes down to a choice between those two players, the Pistons would have a very tough decision to make. I think it's 50-50 which way they'd go.
Keith Langlois: Commissioner Stern has officially opened the draft. I guess given the way the winds are blowing, I'd be surprised if it wasn't Derrick Rose - but nothing else will surprise me.
donell (clinton twp): what do you think about a trade for t-mac
Keith Langlois: Depends what it takes to get him. He's a terrific talent, but his injury history is a deep concern.
Scott (Albany, Or): So which guard does Chicago let go?
Keith Langlois: Ben Gordon is a restricted free agent. I think they'll let him shop himself and then execute a sign and trade. I think they'd love to move Larry Hughes, but it will be tough given his big contract. Hinrich is available, too. And Duhon is a free agent. It could go a lot of different ways in Chicago. The starting backcourt next year could be Rose and Sefalosha even.
Jerry (Indianapolis): Keith, is there any way Jason Thompson isn't in a Pistons' uni if he falls to 29 by some massive stroke of luck?
Keith Langlois: I've gotten mixed signals on Thompson, Jerry. Not sure if they love him or just like him. There are a lot of guys they're comfortable with, but they really have no idea which ones are going to still be there at 29.
Jerry (Indianapolis): Keith, just one more. Rashid. Is he done? His rebounds have gone down dramatically while his three-point attempts have increased just as dramatically. There seems to be no "in the paint desire" in him. Does Joe HAVE to trade him, or should he carry him one more year for the expiring contract with LeBron, et al, coming free after next season?
Keith Langlois: His 3-pointers peaked a few years ago and have actually gone down significantly since then. He's a long way from done, Jerry. A lot of teams have inquired about him. The Pistons aren't giving him away, though.
Jack (Conroe): Who are the Pistons considering with the 59th pick in the draft?
Keith Langlois: Let's get 29 out of the way first. If you think it's confusing at 29, wait until we get into the middle of the second round.
Keith Langlois: Miami went with Michael Beasley. That's the smart pick. Even if the Heat are picking him to trade him, the value at No. 2 was Beasley. I'm not sure I understand Miami's reluctance with Beasley, if indeed it exists. I think they should play him opposite Shawn Marion and see what they have for a year. If they're incompatible, Marion's contract expires next season and they'd either have a very valuable trade chip at the deadline or huge cap relief next summer.
Devon (MI): If everything goes perfect for the Pistons, who will they be drafting at 29. Also with the second round pick do you see them drafting an international player and leaving him overseas to develop.
Keith Langlois: It's too late for that, Devon. If everything had gone perfectly, the Pistons would have been drafting Michael Beasley at 29.
Keith Langlois: Minnesota's on the clock now. The Timberwolves are one of the many teams that have to be wondering how much farther along they'd be if they had taken Rodney Stuckey last year. The T-wolves drafted seventh and took Florida's Corey Brewer, who looks like he'll be a role player. If they had Stuckey, they could play him in tandem with Randy Foye in a pretty dynamic backcourt and be looking at getting a good young big man with this pick to pair with Al Jefferson up front. Here comes Minnesota's pick. I think OJ Mayo is the best player left ... and so does Minnesota, apparently.
Scott (Albany, Or): Beasley, Marion and Wade...yikes
Keith Langlois: Yeah, Miami has a chance for a real nice turnaound. Not a Boston turnaround - unless Kevin McHale donates Al Jefferson to Miami the way he gave Kevin Garnett to Boston - but a team good enough to make a run at the playoffs.
Scott (Albany, Or): Kevin Love in Seattle is going to be nice!
Keith Langlois: I think you're going to hear that the Clippers and Sonics are trading their picks, Scott - the Clippers are coming up to No. 4, the Sonics down to No. 7 and getting a future first-round protected pick. The Clips are going to pick Eric Gordon from Indiana, probably, and I like that pick. Somebody described him to me as Chauncey Billups on steroids.
Steve (Detroit): I found it interesting that Rodney Stuckey is on the select team while other more proven pg's like Rondo and Devin Harris were alternates. I'm extremely high on Stuckey, so I'm not surprised, but it's good to see that others in the NBA value him so highly.
Keith Langlois: He made a big, big impression leaguewide with the way he played while filling in for Chauncey Billups in the second-round win over Orlando and then on the big stage against Boston in the conference finals.
Keith Langlois: Pat Riley was just talking about Michael Beasley on ESPN and he sure didn't sound like a guy who took Beasley reluctantly.
Keith Langlois: Well, that was a curveball. Seattle just took Russell Westbrook of UCLA. The word was that the Sonics and Clippers were swapping picks if OJ Mayo was off the board - if Mayo was still there, Seattle was supposedly keeping him for itself - and then the Clips would take Eric Gordon. So did Seattle take Westbrook to keep him? Or is Westbrook destined for the Clips?
Scott (Albany, Or): I agree with Gundy ...bad pick from Seattle
Keith Langlois: Westbrook is a pretty terrific athlete. He gets high marks for being a great team player and defender. But I'm not sure he's capable of being a lead guard.
Keith Langlois: Who does Memphis take? Gordon, Love, Lopez? They don't need a point guard, unless they're planning to use Kyle Lowry or Mike Conley in trade. So it won't be Bayless or Augustin. Here it comes. I'm guessing Love ... yup.
Keith Langlois: The Knicks are up next. The hot name linked to them for the past few days has been Italy's Danilo Gallinari. If he's the pick, it will be interesting to see the reaction of the Knicks fans at the draft.
Keith Langlois: If Seattle took Westbrook for itself, as seems likely now, then the Clippers have to be pretty happy. If Gordon was their guy, it looks like he's going to fall to them anyway. The Knicks just Gallinari, so Gordon is free to join the Clips. Gallinari got booed ... welcome to New York, kid.
Keith Langlois: That was interesting. They just said the player Gallinari admires most in the NBA is Tayshaun Prince. If he reaches that level, the Knicks will be very happy with that pick. Prince was the 23rd pick in one of the worst drafts in NBA history. That should give the Pistons some hope that they can get a pretty good player at 29 in a better draft.
Keith Langlois: Paul (Essexville, Mich.): How about trading next year's second-rounder from Minnesota for one of Portland's picks at 33 or 36?
Keith Langlois: Oops ... sorry for the format on that one, Paul ... I don't think Portland would want to do that. If you give up a high second-rounder this year, you're going to want a future first, not a future second that could be a worse pick.
David (Muskegon): Are Knicks fans the worst or what? Yeah, yeah, yeah... you don't like Gallinari. That's fine, but don't keep booing your newest player like that!
Keith Langlois: Hey, it's New York. If Gallinari can't handle a little booing on draft night, he'll tuck his tail between his legs on opening night. I know what you're saying, David - you'd think they'd give the kid the benefit of the doubt, since it's a pretty safe bet no one there has ever seen him play. They were really booing Knicks management, but it had to be a little tough for Gallinari to go through that.
Jim (East Lansing): Keith, will the summer league and USA select schedule conflict at all for Rodney Stuckey?
Keith Langlois: No, Jim. The Summer League will be all wrapped up about a week or so before the Select Team has to be back in Vegas to participate in Team USA's camp.
Keith Langlois: John Hammond, the former VP under Joe Dumars with the Pistons, just made his first pick with the Bucks. As expected, he went with West Virginia's Joe Alexander. That seemed like one of the sure bets of the draft until this afternoon's trade for Richard Jefferson. Now the Bucks have two terrific athletes at a position Hammond identified as one of need a month ago.
Scott (Albany, Or): How much further does Lopez fall? Espn's mock had him going to seattle
Keith Langlois: I think there's a pretty good chance he goes to Charlotte, Scott. It's also possible Larry Brown will take a point guard here. Maybe DJ Augustin or Jerryd Bayless.
Keith Langlois: Charlotte went with Augustin. That has Larry Brown's fingerprints all over it. DJ is in for an, um, educational experience. That leaves Lopez for New Jersey.
Keith Langlois: New Jersey took Brook Lopez. Probably a good pick, although the last time the Nets went with a 7-foot identical twin from Stanford ... Jason Collins didn't exactly take the league by storm. But a lot of people thought Lopez was the third-best value in this draft, so to get him at No. 10 ... kind of a no-brainer.
David (Muskegon): Still lots of big men on the board. That's good for Detroit, right?
Keith Langlois: Yeah, but there haven't been any real shockers yet, David. By that I mean the first 11 names off the board were all expected to be gone long before the Pistons got around to picking, so Joe Duamrs and his staff are still looking at the same list they've been looking at. The key will be if guys like McGee, Jordan or Speights start slipping.
Keith Langlois: Indiana took Jerryd Bayless. I like that pick. Yeah, the Pacers just traded for T.J. Ford, but Bayless can play both guard spots and Ford isn't durable enough to play 40 minutes a night, so there's room for him in that backcourt. He has the chance to be an advanced player offensively and that should mean he can thrive in Jim O'Brien's system at Indiana. Plus, at 11, it's a good value pick. A lot of people thought Bayless was going No. 4 to Seattle until a week or so ago.
Sam (St. Louis): do you see any international players Pistons may target at 29 and leave overseas?
Keith Langlois: Serge Ibaka from the Congo would be a consideration if he's still there. I don't know that there's any other international guy that would interest the Pistons. Nicolas Batum, if he's still there.
Tom(Macomb): Do you think Seattle is going in the right direction in rebuilding. 6 picks can make them even younger. They already have upcoming stars in Durant and Jeff Green.
Keith Langlois: I think they're going southeast, Tom - to Oklahoma City, which saddens me because Seattle is one of my very favorite cities. But I do think the franchise was right to tear it down and start over and I think they've got two solid building blocks in Green and Durant. Although, I'll say this: Seattle's another team that would have been better off taking Rodney Stuckey last year with the No. 5 pick. Stuckey running the point next to Durant would have been pretty nice. And then the fourth pick this year could have been spent on Kevin Love or Eric Gordon.
Keith Langlois: Well, that's the first real shocker of the night. Jason Thompson was talked about a little bit at No. 14 to Golden State, but a lot of people thought he'd still be there at 29 for the Pistons ... who might not have taken him, anyway. Going 12th to Sacramento is a real surprise.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): I have a feeling that the Pistons will draft someone that the Nuggets like and then package that player with Tay and Big Shot for Anthony and maybe the second round pick of the Nuggets, maybe. Just a gut feeling I've had all day. What say you?
Keith Langlois: Denver bailed out of the 20th pick, partly because they weren't very enamored of the talent available at that spot. I can't imagine there would be anybody available at 29 that would be enough to tip the scales on their decision whether or not to trade Anthony.
Dominic (Sterling Heights): New Orleans traded their 27th pick to the Blazers for cash considerations. Chris Douglas Roberts was projected to go at that position. If he falls to 29th Detroit HAS to get him. I think he's exactly what we need he is undervalued in this draft and can get us scoring off the bench with his slashing style. He's also a Detroit native. Can't go wrong with that.
Keith Langlois: We've already talked about him, Dominic. I think he's definitely someone who is in the mix. You can scroll through the chat to find our earlier discussion of CDR.
bonsaimike: With all the BIG talk of trading the core to some degree, i believe it is Rip that has the most value. With a starting combo of stuck and billups, there are 2 generals that are prtotype combo guards. Under Chauncey's mentor, Stuckey would learn the way to lead a team. Rip, with one year left and many miles surely to burn(this point is double edged) and the ease at which the Pistons could transition, this would bode well. Not to mention, after Chauncey, he has the highest trade worth as a player, right now. Taking into account years left, scoring, legacy, and ability, Rip is a pretty valuable asset. His selling point being THE go to guy is untouchable. Thoughts?
Keith Langlois: Well, I'm not sure whether you're advocating trading him or keeping him. For what it's worth, my gut feeling is he'll be back next year.
bobby (moreno valley,ca): i believe if pistons are looking to draft for a future trade it would be to sweeten a deal for mcgrady or stoudamire
Keith Langlois: I think there probably will be some trades announced after the first round that we don't know about yet. That Sacramento pick of Thompson at 12 came so far out of left field, that could be one of them. We'll see.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): Do you agree with me Keith that Kosta Koufas is very much overated and is a late first to early second round pick? I just hope that the Pistons select Douglass-Roberts!
Keith Langlois: I just haven't seen enough of him to draw any solid conclusions, Jake. I know he's young and he has a nice touch. A lot of people think he's got a pretty high ceiling. He probably also has a pretty low floor - meaning he could hit big or bust. Golden State was rumored to be one of his drop spots but the Warriors just went with Anthony Randolph, a prospect not unlike the guy they picked last year, Brandan Wright. Interesting pick.
bonsaimike(grand rapids, mi): I don't advocate anything in trading Rip. I just think he has the highest value, and would be the LEAST IRreplacable. Perhaps that bait, used with the draft pick at 29, would yield the highest value return. Is their another move involving the core that could yield more immediately, help the team long term, and have the least deleterious effect on the makeup, comdodery, and win-i-tude of the Pistons?
Keith Langlois: I think a lot of different possibilities are going to open up in July. And I could be wrong, but I think Hamilton is the least likely of the four core starters to be moved.
Matt (Traverse City): I know Bayless is a steal and fits O'Brien's system and all, but why would Indiana take him? There is no way they can play him and TJ Ford together in the backcourt. Teams will abuse them defensively.
Keith Langlois: They might not play too much at the same time next year, Matt, and I agree that Ford presents some defensive challenges for his team. But Bayless isn't a small point guard. I think he could play in tandem with Ford at least occasionally.
E.J (Kalamazoo): Can the Pistons draft Keith brumbaugh with the 59th pick
Keith Langlois: I don't think you'll see that one. Brumbaugh has some serious character red flags.
Steven (Clarkston): When will the Pistons announce their summer league roster? I am anxious to see these two surprise names on the team that you have been dropping hints about.
Keith Langlois: It could come soon, Steven. We'll try to find something out tonight, though we're not going to get much time with Joe Dumars.
Dominic (Sterling Heights): Isn't 15 a little high for Robin Lopez? I heard talk the Pistons were eyeing him.
Keith Langlois: It's one of those drafts, Dominic. Not a big suprise, really. I've heard that some NBA front offices actually liked Robin better than Brook. Maybe a little high, but that's exactly where I projected him going in my mock draft on Pistons.com.
Steven (Clarkston): What do you think about John Hammond's moves today in Milwaukee? That club is on the path to surprising a lot of people I believe. There is a lot of talent there with Williams, Redd, Jefferson, and Bogut. Young guys like Villanueva and Alexander will be a big help to. I think Skiles could make these guys legit. Milwaukee and Toronto look to be on the upswing for next year.
Keith Langlois: Very aggressive, very impressive, Steven. John was always exceptionally thorough and meticulous in his work with the Pistons. The thing people wanted to see was how he would do when he had to be the guy pulling the trigger. I liked his moves today very much. I'm not that high on Yi Jianlian but think Richard Jefferson gives the Bucks real punch. And I love the Alexander pick.
Dane (Indiana): Any chance we see Dumars take a hard working player such as Patrick Ewing Jr. or Deron Washington in the 2nd round? Those guys can get after it defensively, and are scrappy players that would be solid additions, who teams might overlook (just like they did with other hard workers like Maxiell and Afflalo).
Keith Langlois: It'll either be someone like that - a college veteran player with a blue-collar reputation - or a boom-or-bust type like Amir Johnson.
Sam (St. Louis): If the Pistons pick up one of the international players that has a no-opt out contract overseas, what does his rookie contract look like, if it takes years for him to get to the NBA?
Keith Langlois: It won't matter how much time he spends overseas, Sam. If the Pistons take him 29th, he'll be slotted into the rookie scale for the 29th pick whenever he decides to come to the NBA. Ibaka, by the way, is apparently determined to stay overseas for at least the next few years. He's only 18 and raw, so it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.
Ron: Why do teams love Robin Lopez? He keeps getting hyped as a guy with a great motor, who will be a rebounding and defensive specialist. Um, how does a guy who averages 5 rebounds per game in college become regarded as a rebounding specialist?
Keith Langlois: Good point, Ron. Some NBA scouts have brought that up - Robin is regarded as the superior defender and rebounder to Brook. I suppose they rationalize by figuring it's tough for two 7-footers to split up the points and rebounds in the college game.
Marc (Orlando): Could Milwaukee play Alexander at PF? He is athletic enough to do it, and would fit better there rather than playing behind Jefferson.
Keith Langlois: Only in certain spots against teams that go small, Marc. If the Pistons went small and moved Tayshaun Prince to power forward, then Milwaukee could match up. But he's going to have a hard time guarding players like Kendrick Perkins or Rasheed Wallace.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): I just want to thank you Keith for taking your time during this to answer our questions! All the fan-friendly stuff like the mailbag and blogs and chatting things that you do make this a very fun web site to come to. So thank you very much Mr. Langlois!
Keith Langlois: Thanks, Jake. Thanks to you and all fans out there for visiting the site and taking part in the live chat.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): oops, sorry Keith. Do you believe that Joe D would trade Tay and Big Shot for T-Mac? I've always had a soft spot for T-Mac and would love to see him dawn the Piston Blue!
Keith Langlois: And for that, you get the next question. My opinion is that he wouldn't do it without getting something else back from Houston - a draft pick or a decent role player.
Trey (Mt. Pleasant): Anthony Randolph and Maresse Speights look to be MAJOR busts, especially Randolph. Also, did you see John Hollinger's articles predicting future success of players in this draft? Randolph was rated stunningly poor, and wonder what your thoughts were of his ratings. He seems able to identify busts pretty darn well, way better than NBA teams have done.
Keith Langlois: I did see Hollinger's story. I think projecting NBA success by using college stats is sketchy. It can only be as accurate as the model used to make the projection and Hollinger admits his system is very much a work in progress. But there are plenty of reasons to believe that Randolph could just as easily be a washout as a solid starter.
Steven (Clarkston): Wow, Indiana just traded Bayless to Portland for Rush. Nice, nice deal for the Trail Blazers.
Keith Langlois: Interesting deal, Steven. Supposedly it involves Bayless and Ike Diogu going to Portland for Rush and Jarrett Jack. Diogu intrigues me. Jack has played well against the Pistons. That means Rush will be playing with his brother, Kareem, in Indiana.
Dominic (Sterling Heights): To add to Jake's question; what if Houston threw in Luther Head to back up Rodney Stuckey?
Keith Langlois: Head's not a point guard, Dominic. I think he could be a rotation piece, though he was pretty disappointing for Houston this year. I'd hold out for something more than Head.
Mark (Detroit, MI): Does Sacramento's pick surprise you? I read that Detroit was interested in drafting Thompson as our first pick.
Keith Langlois: It sure did, Mark. I thought the earliest Thompson would be in play was 14 at Golden State and most people thought that would be a real reach.
ryan (royal oak): could the pistons trade today in the draft
Keith Langlois: It's possible, Ryan. There is a lot of activity out there. I don't expect it, but I wouldn't be surprised.
Keith Langlois: The guy who has slipped the most right now is Darrell Arthur out of Kansas. He's not getting to the Pistons, but he has to be stung to still be there at 19. The best guess for the Cavs, up next, is Kosta Koufos out of Ohio State.
john, birmingham: joey dorsey seems like a 21 year old ben wallace clone and no one got production out of a ben type player like the pistons - is he in the mix?
Keith Langlois: I think he's in the mix, John, but there are wildly differing opinions of Dorsey. For everyone who thinks he's a Ben Wallace clone, there are others who don't see him as having the athleticism to be a big-time defender and rebounder. His shot-blocking numbers in college were so-so.
Ryan (Macomb): Are the Pistons going to draft their prediction (Bill Walker) still or go for Thompson?
Keith Langlois: Thompson's gone, Ryan ... went 12th to Sacramento.
Brady (Port Austin): Keith, is the East on the rise in general? Milwaukee and Toronto have made some major upgrades, maybe even Indiana as well. Also, I think the Wizards will sneak up on people. If they could just stay healthy, they would be lethal. They were the East's best team at the All-Star break a year ago when healthy. The East is getting good in a hurry.
Keith Langlois: That's what I thought last year, too, Brady, when the Knicks got Zach Randolph, the Bobcats got Jason Richardson and Orlando picked up Rashard Lewis. I tend to agree with you - I think the imbalance is closer to closing than most do, but I'm taking a wait-and-see approach.
Keith Langlois: The Cavs went for JJ Hickson, a mild upset. A lot of people think Hickson has a very high ceiling. A power forward to fight for minutes behind Ben Wallace. I think this really means Anderson Varejao is going to be out of Cleveland.
Steven (Clarkston): Any chance Joe Dumars makes a move quick here to trade up and get Darrell Arthur? To land him would be a steal.
Keith Langlois: Depends how much they like him and what it would cost, Steven. I think he's pretty good, but I wonder if it's worth a trade up at this point. In other words, do you think Arthur is going to be better than, oh, say Chris Douglas-Roberts or Bill Walker or Ryan Anderson, to name three.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): Is Devon Hardin being considered at all? I could watch his and Bill Walker's youtube highlight reels all day.
Keith Langlois: His numbers at Cal were pretty unspectacular, Bret. Look up Ryan Anderson's numbers compared to Hardin's at Cal. He is a spectacular athlete. I don't expect him to be picked at 29. He'll probably go about 10 spots below that.
Dominic (Sterling Heights, MI): A friend of mine told me Detroit offered Rasheed Wallace Amir Johnson and 1st rd pick for the rights to beasley and a cap filler ( I would assume Blount) Any truth to this?
Keith Langlois: News to me, Dominic. I'd be a little surprised if it were true.
Mark (Detroit, MI): What player/position should Joe D be looking to draft? I think that we need a little more depth in the paint. Any thoughts?
Keith Langlois: They're not targeting a position, Mark, because they aren't going to know what the roster will look like if Joe Dumars executes a trade or two. They're going for the best player still on the board more than ever this year.
Keith Langlois: Alexis Ajinca to Charlotte ... that one doesn't have Larry Brown's fingerprints on it. He's a project. He averaged five points in a game against fairly mediocre competition this year. Big, big, big gamble here.
Steven (Clarkston): Yes, Arthur is better than those guys. I think Arthur has the athleticism and tools to be a great NBA player. All those other guys have holes. CDR is an akward game, and isnt great athletically. Walker is injury prone and has fundmentals issues, while Anderson isnt a great athlete either. Arthur is a great athlete in the mold of Maxiell who fits better in the NBA than college, a guy who teams pass on because they over analyze the draft.
Keith Langlois: All I can tell you is there's great debate, Steve. A lot of people wonder why he never seemed to take over games in the Big 12. Yeah, the Jayhawks had a lot of balance and nobody put up really big numbers - that's why a lot of people like him. But he's still available at pick 21. I think there's pretty good shot New Jersey snaps him up here.
john, birmingham: is a zach randolph for sheed trade any kind of real option? I know randolph has issues but sheed is no picnic and at least zach will score down low
Keith Langlois: I don't know, John. I know Joe Dumars would have to be really convinced that Randolph could walk the straight and narrow in a different environment. He has major character red flags and Joe D's history is to steer clear of those guys, but maybe he's in enough of a gambling mood to give it a try. I would be surprised, but you never know.
bobby (moreno valley,ca): who in your personal opinion would be a better fit walker or cdr?
Keith Langlois: I like them both equally, Bobby. Not trying to dodge the question, but I think they'd both be guys who could see the floor next year.
Keith Langlois: Darrell Arthur makes sense for Orlando. A lot of sense. If he gets past them, you start to wonder if there's something that teams have flagged with him.
Marcus (Detroit): Wow, the Pistons might get real lucky soon. Only 7 picks away, and Douglas-Roberts, Arthur, Donte Green, Kofous, etc. are all still there. I am liking this.
Keith Langlois: Yeah, but you've got to give me 8 names to get excited about, Marcus, because I still think all of those could be gone ... maybe CDR.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): Do you think having Arnie Kander around (the best there is) could make Joe less nervous about rolling the dice with Walker??
Keith Langlois: Kander and Mike Abdenour gave Walker a thorough look-see when he worked out for the Pistons. If they take him, you can then assume that Kander gave him a clean bill of health. One of the things that makes Kander so valuable is the exercises and strength training techniques he imparts that help players avoid injury, so, again, if the Pistons take Walker, then you can assume Kander has reasonable confidence that he can work with him to help him avoid further knee injuries.
Scott (Albany, Or): kofous! We need a center
Keith Langlois: He just went to Utah, Scott. Didn't think he'd last that long.
Keith Langlois: Another guy slipping is Syracuse freshman Donte Green, a 6-10 shooter with the body and athletic ability to develop into a hybrid small/power forward. I don't think he'll make it to the Pistons. Arthur has to go to Seattle at 24, doesn't he? If not, he can't get past Portland at 27.
Keith Langlois: DeAndre Jordan was once talked about as a top-five pick. Is it possible he would slip to the Pistons? Yeah. It's also possible the Pistons would pass him up. It looks like he made the worst mistake of all in coming out. Athletic 7-footers are supposed to be gone a lot higher than this.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): CDR! CDR! CDR! CDR!
Scott (Albany, Or): Gotta hope for CDR
Keith Langlois: Here are the names still on the board after Seattle just took Serge Ibaka ...Donte Green, Bill Walker, Darrell Arthur, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Mario Chalmers, Nicolas Batum and DeAndre Jordan. Very good chance one of them is your newest Detroit Piston.
Champ (Mission Peninsula): How about DeAndre Jordan? He would be bad to take a flier on. Although, with guys like CDR, Green, and Arthur still there, we can't go wrong.
Keith Langlois: Well, yeah, Champ, they could go wrong. Not all of those guys are going to make it. The Pistons have to do the best job of identifying the one among them who'll hit.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): when is that IND, TOR deal gonna be completed
Keith Langlois: I don't believe it can become official until July 9, Jake. That's when the moratorium on trades and free-agent signings ends. It can't happen before then because of salary cap complications that deal with Ford's base-year status.
jason brownstown : you think walker going to the pistons?
Keith Langlois: We'll see soon enough, Jason. There will be other attractive options for them. I don't expect Arthur to make it that far. Jordan is the intriguing one. I think the Pistons would probably pass on him, too, as amazing as that sounds. But I could be wrong.
Andrea (Padova, Italy): My preferences would be: 1. Bill Walker 2. Mario Chalmers 3.CDR not sure about Jordan and Batum.
Keith Langlois: Batum just went. Chalmers would be interesting. It would give the Pistons tremendous point guard depth - and will fuel speculation that Chauncey Billups will be traded.
Tim (Oxford): Any chance of Joe picking Joey Dorsey? That guy is exactly what we need, is intense as heck and is a rebounding force. The Pistons are in such need of that. I know it would be high for him, but I think it would be great value.
Keith Langlois: I wouldn't be stunned, Tim. I know the Pistons worked him out and liked him. It would seem a bit of a stretch at 29, but if Joe D sees one outstanding quality that will help the team, sure.
jason brownstown : arthur arthur
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): In response to Champ, CDR! CDR! CDR! CDR!
ronny (royal oak): whats so great about cdr the only reason everyone wants to pick him is because hes from detroit why cant we get a center that we need
Keith Langlois: Is there a center left that can play? That's the question, Ronny.
ronald (coral springs): could we take darrel arthur
Keith Langlois: Ric Bucher just reported on ESPN that Arther apparently has an unspecified kidney condition that migth be scaring teams.
shawn(garden grove, CA): if CDR is taken who do you think the pistons will take: Donte Green or Bill Walker? plus i love chalmers, but we seem to have a lot of guards. Do you think we'd consider chalmers anyway?
Keith Langlois: Just a guess ... Green, if he's still there, because of his tremendous size and shooting touch. I think Walker would be better able to help next year, but Green has tantalizing potential. But Green and DeAndre Jordan are the two players who probably should have gone back to school. Arthur, too, but the kidney thing has put a cloud over this for him.
Jeff (Essexville): what's the chance that the pistons will be able to find out the necessary info about arthur's supposed kidney condition, to make an informed decision?
Keith Langlois: Well, they're not going to find out anything in the next 15 minutes they don't already know. I have to assume they have the same information other teams have ... which is the reason he's still sitting in the green room.
Tim (Seattle): I see Hammond is already hard at work building the Bucks back up to a contender. Is it possible any deals may be in the works between him and Dumars? And, does the league look more closely at deals done by former co-workers for anything possibly unfair to other prospective trade partners?
Keith Langlois: Teams don't usually deal within their own division, but I don't think that would affect those two guys at all. As to your second question, if they let Kevin McHale send Garnett to Boston and Danny Ainge, then I assume anything is a go.
jason brownstown : if pistons go after another guard what are the chances that they going to trade billups?
Keith Langlois: I wouldn't necessarily read that into it if, for instance, the Pistons take Mario Chalmers. It would give them the flexibility to do so, but Chalmers probably wouldn't be ready to step into the rotation of a championshiip contender immediately, anyway, so a year as the No. 3 point would be OK.
Sean (South Shore): Do you believe that Darrell Arthur is worth the risk for a team who is consistent like the pistons?
Keith Langlois: No way to answer that, Sean, without a medical degree and the reports in front of me. Apparently NBA teams that have had their medical personnel look at his records are sufficiently frightened.
Thomas (Macomb): Do you think that Donte Greene has a chance of being a Rashard Lewis type player one day?
Keith Langlois: I think he can become a good interior player, too, unlike Lewis, but I'm not sure he'll ever develop Lewis' range and stroke. I know he jacked up a lot of triples at Syracuse, but he didn't strike me as a shooter quite like Lewis. But, sure, he could become that.
Keith Langlois: Only one pick to go ... Donte Green, Bill Walker, CDR, Mario Chalmers and DeAndre Jordan are all there. Wow. When guys like Ryan Anderson, Courtney Lee and George Hill went, it pushed down some pretty good players. But it was the Spurs that took Hill, which makes me think the Pistons must have been interested in him, too - those two organizations think alike.
jake rockford: now with arthur gone is bill walker a lock at 29?
Keith Langlois: A long way from a lock, Jack. He'll be in the mix. We'll find out in less than 10 minutes.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): I feel like with the 29th pick... Joe only goes after a certain "type" of guy. the right attitude. He has to be the right fit. Any idea of the remaining players who might be in that mold?
Keith Langlois: Good call, Bret. Douglas-Roberts fits, for sure. Walker plays hard. Chalmers is tough-minded. Jordan has a rap as a guy who floats. Donte Green ... so-so.
Keith Langlois: Donte Green goes to Memphis, which means the Pistons can pick Chris Douglas-Roberts, Bill Walker, DeAndre Jordan or Mario Chalmers ... or D.J. White, or Joey Dorsey, or a foreign surprise.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): YES! CDR is ours
jason brownstown : its cdr time
Keith Langlois: DJ White. That's somebody I thought was a strong possibility a week or so ago. In the last week or so, it seemed he'd fallen off the radar. But he's a tough, hard-nosed guy. Joe Dumars saw him live one night at Crisler Arena when White grabbed something like 22 rebounds against Michigan. If White doesn't have the ceiling of some other guys, he's a much safer bet to have a productive 10-year career.
James (Canberra, Australia): G'day from Australia, heard a rumour that the Pistons should draft the Australian Nathan Jawai? any thoughts?
Keith Langlois: Jawai will go in the next 10 picks, James, but the Pistons went with someone much more ready to step in now.
Keith Langlois: When you look at White's numbers from last year, it's pretty impressive. He played 33.5 minutes a game, scored 17.4 points a game, grabbed 10.3 rebounds a game, shot 60.5 percent from the field and 69 percent at the line. He's got a low-post game and he's got a pretty good face-up jump shot. He runs pretty well, too. Good lateral movement. Big body.
Stephen (Clarkston): DJ White? Another POWER FORWARD, how many PF's do the pistons need?
Keith Langlois: The way the game has evolved, Stephen, most teams are playing with two power forwards. If White can play, he'll play - he'll be an asset. And that will give Dumars more weapons to take to the table. It will be interesting to see White in the Las Vegas Summer League. Remember, that's when we were first pretty certain that Rodney Stuckey was going to have an impact almost immediately.
Sam (St. Louis): I see a lot of Reggie Evans in DJ White, do you see DJ being a better player in the long run?
Keith Langlois: He's definitely more gifted offensively, Sam. The thing that makes Evans so valuable is that he does one thing better than 95 percent of everybody else - rebound. And he plays so hard, he makes those around him elevate their effort level, too.
Gabe (Ann Arbor): Hey Keith, thanks for doing this chat! I'm trying to give Joe the benefit of the doubt, but I would have rather seen us take a chance on DeAndre Jordan, because while White's a safer choice, I think if you get the chance to draft someone with the upside of Jordan at pick 29 you should take it. But, with that said, in Joe I trust. Also, you think there's any chance the pistons try to pick up a early second rounder to draft Bill Walker?
Keith Langlois: We'll see. Jordan has to be reeling right now. This guy was said to be the next Dwight Howard a year or so ago. I don't know if the Pistons will trade up. They have the ammunition to do so with three second-rounders next year.
Sam (St. Louis): Heard from ESPN that we're trading DJ White to Seattle for #32 and #46, can you confirm this?
Keith Langlois: If so, that's interesting. Trading down from the first round to the early second is advantageous because it eliminates the guaranteed contract. It also makes it easier to draft a foreign player and stash him overseas, if need be.
larry saginaw: I don,t get it they said they were gonna go the "best player availble" route.You can,t tell me DJ white is the best player available.I herd the rumors about a promise the pistons made to DJ just like stuckey last year.I shoulda figured this out.
Keith Langlois: Well, maybe they promised to trade him to Seattle, because that's what ESPN is reporting.
Jesse (White Pine): Keith, there is talk that DJ White will be traded to Seattle for 2 of their second round picks...has this been confirmed?
Keith Langlois: Not yet, Jesse. We're still waiting outside of Joe Dumars' offices. When we know something, I'll pass it along.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): I trust Joe... but if it were up to me, it'd be Bill Walker.
Keith Langlois: Maybe it will be ... at 46. Or 32. Maybe they'll get CDR at 32. Or a foreign big man - Nathan Jawai, perhaps, or Ante Tomic - or Mario Chalmers. Or DeAndre Jordan. Still some really surprising names available.
Tyler Bloomfield Hills: Why Didn't Detroit Select Chris Douglas Roberts of Memphis?
Keith Langlois: If this trade for Seattle is for real, they must have seen the value in trading down three picks and picking up No. 46.
Keith Langlois: The T-Wolves took Nikola Pekovic first in the second round, which brings the Pistons to the table at 32 ... although we still don't have any confirmation from the Pistons that the trade went down. Here's one more benefit from not having to pay first-round guaranteed money: It will give Joe Dumars that much more flexibility over the summer in signing free agents or making trades.
Keith Langlois: Walter Sharpe ... major, major sleeper. He had narcolepsy, of all things, that affected him earlier in his career. We know very little about him, except he came on very late in the draft process and is supposedly a very, very athletic player - a shot blocker. Might be a little bit like Amir Johnson. He was academically inelgible in the second half of last season and played just 18 college games. He went to Mississippi State first and then transfered to UAB.
Keith Langlois: It appears the narcolepsy Sharpe suffers from - memory lapses, excessive daytime sleeping - was only recently diagnosed. He was relieved at the diagnoses and believes it was at the root of his other problems. Sharpe was ruled academically inelgible and was arrested last fall for disorderly conduct after an argument and fight at a nightclub. He's a high-risk, high-reward type of pick. That's what fans who were screaming for DeAndre Jordan wanted.
Sal (Detroti): Why Sharpe over all the names avalible? I think that is a terrible pick.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): Walter Sharpe... narcoleptic academically ineligible philosophy major... I LIKE IT! (like really, basketball is fun)
Darren (Cleveland): I just don't get it..CDR out there, Bill Walker, and Joe D makes a trade to get Walter Sharpe?
Jesse (White Pine): Walter Sharpe worked out for the Pistons, so, presumably, he impressed the powers-that-be. He probably would have been available to us with our later second round picks, though...right?
Keith Langlois: I think the Pistons were convinced he wouldn't be. I first heard Sharpe's name mentioned last week. Heard he was really wowing people in workouts. Some mock drafts started slipping his name into second rounds.
Joey Saline: Who do you think the Pistons will pick next?
Keith Langlois: Not a clue yet, Joey. Is it possible Bill Walker falls to 46? No way Douglas-Roberts does.
James (Canberra, Australia): Have you had it confirmed yet Keith? If so what's your opinion of Walter Sharpe? Will he play straight away? Is he just ammunition for a trade?
Keith Langlois: Not officially yet, James, but we've gotten pretty clear indications it's for real.
tej Rochester Hills: Mr. Keith, I was wondering why did the pistons pass on dorsey? What else are you hearing about the pistons picking, and who do you think would make a good piston?
Keith Langlois: We'll let you know as soon as Joe Dumars comes out and explains himself. But with two picks now coming pretty close together, I don't think we'll hear from Joe D until after 59 now.
Keith Langlois: I'm going to throw out some names at 46 ... Kyle Weaver, a defensive-minded, high-energy guard from Washington State; Richard Hendrix, a highly productive but undersized power forward from Alabama; Goran Dragic, an international point guard; Malik Hairston, a Detroiter who could play small forward or shooting guard; Mike Taylor, a very tough guard who played in the D League last year after leaving Iowa State; and Sonny Weems, an extremely athletic swingman from Arkansas.
Will Russellville, Ar.: Do you see the draft choice tipping Joe D's hand on a possible trade of our core?
Keith Langlois: No, Will, I don't think this pick had anything to do with with moves Joe D will make this summer. This is a guy who almost certainly will be inactive and spending time in the D League next year, but he has high-end potential. My guess is the Pistons see him as a lottery talent if his affliction had been diagnosed earlier.
rob J in southfield: richard hendrix is still on the board for #46
Keith Langlois: Yup, I mentioned him. But Sharpe plays that position, so I don't know if the Pistons would go for another PF. They might, though, if they really like him. I do think he's a bit undersized, though. I was told he's really about 6-7. That makes it tough to be a power player unless you have Jason Maxiell's athleticism.
Ryan (Commerce): How shocking is it to you that at pick 38 Douglas Roberts is still available? I heard he wasnt impressive in workouts, but he was a MAJOR scoring option for Memphis
Keith Langlois: Very surprising, Ryan. I know there were questions about him because of his unorthodox game. I think somebody will be very happy to get him at this point.
Nate - Neptune City, NJ: I don't know anything about White or Sharpe. I Checked Youtube; White looks like a great postup forward, just what we need. Now seems he's gone just that quick. What do you think?
Keith Langlois: I don't know much about Sharpe. I saw plenty of White and think that guy will be in the NBA for a lot of years. I don't know that he'll ever be good enough to start. I think the Pistons believe Sharpe could become that type of guy.
Josh (Ann Arbor): Dang I already had my CDR signs made for next season...
Keith Langlois: He just went to New Jersey. Nice pick for the Nets at that spot.
D flint: hey keith, do you think any of the trades made recently affects the pistons? And do you really think bill walker will fall to them at 46 if he does i think that would be a steal
Keith Langlois: You have to wonder what the medical opinions of Walker's knees really were. He was an explosive player, before two torn ACLs. He was showing signs of getting back to that point late this season. He suffered what's been called a minor knee injury - a ligament strain, supposedly - a few weeks ago. Whoever gets him will know the risks.
Ankha: hello Keith, do you see more trades involving pistons tonight that we have 3 picks now?
Ankha(Mongolia): forgot to mention my city...pistons fan since 2000
Keith Langlois: Had to post a question from Mongolia. Is that Outer or Inner? Don't know about more trades, Ankha - anything is possible on this wacky night.
Kyle (Negaunee): Although I'm pulling my hair out about Sharpe, I trust Joe D..I remember screaming a few years back after this Maxiell dude was picked instead of Simien.
Keith Langlois: Good point, Kyle. I think Sharpe is going to win some people over once his story is known. I'll be interested to know exactly what the Pistons know about his narcolepsy and if they think that was the underlying cause for his other problems.
rob J (southfield): looks like devon hardin, cali
Keith Langlois: That would be a pretty good pick, Rob. His production at Cal was pretty unremarkable, but he's such a physical specimen.
jeremiah - phoenix: What is going on??? I am hoping for bill walker!!! What about this trade rumor of Chauncey and sheed going to golden state for Baron davis and al harrington? any leaks???
Keith Langlois: Nothing to that rumor, Jeremiah.
Will Russellville, Ar: Do you think the Pistons are trying to save money for the big free agent class next summer?
Keith Langlois: Nope. That's not in Joe D's plans. Teams that stash money thinking they'll be players for elite free agents almost always are disappointed.
Keith Langlois: Pistons are on the clock at 46. Bill Walker and DeVon Hardin are still there. So is Malik Hairston, a Detroit native. Just found out that Sharpe was shot two years ago. Sounds like he was an innocent victim. He heard gunfire in a public housing community and got hit with a small-caliber bullet in the lower left abdomen.
Tyler (Lima, OH): Walker is there at 46...do it Joe!
Keith Langlois: It is not official, but I've been posting that it's been acknowledged.
Keith Langlois: Trent Plaisted of BYU goes 46, presumably to the Pistons. They worked him out. Nice offensive touch. Supposedly more of a finesse player than a banger, though he's an honest 6-10.
Tyler (Lima, OH): WHAT! Trent Plaisted! Just kill me now!
Paul(Grand Rapids): These picks can't really be for Detroit can they?
Keith Langlois: We'll find out when Joe D comes to address the media ... it looks like that won't be until after the 59th pick now.
jason brownstown : you think trent could help immediately?
Keith Langlois: Not very likely that the 46th pick will offer immediate help, Jason.
angelo (chicago): man! this is really bad. i hope joe d knows what he's doing. D.J. wouldve been the guy we needed!
Josh (A2): Joe Dumars must see something that NO one else sees
Bill (Flint): Do you think we could pick Davon Jefferson if he falls to us at 59?
Keith Langlois: As good a guess as any, Bill. I know Jefferson hurt himself by testing poorly in Orlando. Lots of athleticism, not much basketball skill at this point.
Keith Langlois: If he's there, my guess at 59 is Mike Taylor, a guard who was at Iowa State but played last season in the D League.
Kyle (Negaunee): ehhh...I did find out Sharpe is terrible from the line..a career 52%
Keith Langlois: Yeah, but the career consists of 18 games over three years. Not much of a study size. I wouldn't make too much of it.
Darren (Cleveland): I'm sorry, but considering who was on the board AFTER they traded D.J. White, this is by far the worst draft since Darko.
Dominic (Sterling Heights, MI): We couldve had CDR and Bill Walker but we have these two guys who, frankly I've never heard of, I sincerely hope Joe D proves me wrong
James (Canberra, Australia): Bill Walker has been picked at 47 is that correct?
Keith Langlois: Yes.
Matt (Sterling Heights): Any possibility a trade to Minnesota for Chalmers could still happen?
Keith Langlois: We're hearing Minnesota sent Chalmers to Miami for two seconds. Nice pickup for Miami.
Kyle (Negaunee): Actually, I remember watching Sharpe play this year against Kentucky. Though, his teamate Robert Vaden was the real stud, I don't think he's out this year? Sharpe played well that game, I think he had 10 or 12 if I remember right. Strong post presence..
Michael State College PA: How do these 6'9, 6'10 guys styles compare with Amir and Jason or Prince. What Position so think they will play?
Keith Langlois: I think Sharpe would be much more in the Amir mold than Plaisted. Plaisted is more of a face-up jump shooter, as far as I know.
Abe (New York, NY): Ok guys, I think we should relax. We have our big man rotation set for next year, barring trades. Sheed, Max, Dyess, Amir. And we will add a veteran big man like Ratliff late in the year. We didn't want to give a guaranteed contract, so we took a risk on Sharpe. Could we have taken a risk on Walker as well? Yes, but we opted for a solid guy that can play center. No point in taking risks on two players at the same position.
Ethan (Manistee, MI): what happend to Bill walker? they had 3 chances to get him and passed up on all 3 for crazy picks. why?
Bret (Mount Pleasant): I just think, like... I remember being bummed when we drafted Tayshaun. "We need a point guard! Tinsley is still available! And then a few years ago with Maxiell... he wasn't a name, either. I even remember not being thrilled that Stackhouse - the face of our team - was being traded for Rip. And I was wrong each time. There's a reason Joe gets the money. He's the absolute best.
Josh (A2): this is the weirdest draft I've ever seen.
Champion (Detroit): is there any noise regarding the suns/pistons?
Keith Langlois: Nothing recently.
garrett (lansing): two picks and still no backup for prince. what are the options going to look like at that position for our final pick?
Keith Langlois: You can't really depend on the 59th pick as a rotation piece, Garrett. That's for trades/free agency.
jason brownstown : you think plaisted could be like laimbeer?
Keith Langlois: I don't think anybody is quite like Bill Laimbeer. He might have the shot, but does he have the chip on his shoulder and willingness to wear the black hat?
rob J (southfield): ok, sasha kaun is a defensive forward from kansas with athletic skills. looks like a good pick for 59
Will D (Detroit): can you explain the logic in these picks?
Kevin(Canton): I still cant believe they gave up D.J. that easily... Guess we just have to trust Joe D
Tom (Allen Park): Do you think the Pistons might go after a guy like Chris Lofton @ 59?
Keith Langlois: Would make some sense. The kid's a flat-out shooter. A lot of people question whether he could get his shot off in the NBA.
Kyle (Negaunee): Joe Crawford would be a nice option at 59..as nice as the options are at 59...
Matt(NJ): Honestly, is there a good chance either one of these guys makes the team?
Keith Langlois: I think you can assume Sharpe has a good shot. Plaisted .. we'll begin evaluating him in Las Vegas in a few weeks.
Abe (New York, NY): Actually, disregard that last comments. What were we thinking? We could have had CDR and Walker, and we would be D-league champions year after year! Keith, be honest with us. If we keep our current team, what position do we need help the most with, right now?
Keith Langlois: They have no glaring holes, Abe, but they are going to need to address small forward at some point. Plenty of time and opportunity to do that, though.
Tyler (Lima, OH): The thing about Max, Tayshaun etc. was that they were outstanding college players. Joe just drafted guys who weren't remotely even the best players on their bad college teams.
Ankha (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia): Before you leave us, may be you have expressed this already, but so far which pick do you think was the steal of the draft? Brook Lopez? Darrel Arthur? *Thanks
Keith Langlois: Too tough to project that, Ankha, but I think some of these guys that went in the 30s and 40s are going to turn out to be better players than some of the guys taken in the teens and 20s. I like Chalmers a lot for Miami.
rob J: southfield: sasha kaun...imagine mason introducing him ssshhhhhaaaa sashaaaa kaun...think chaka kaun
josh(perrysburg): sasha kauhn the center from kansas would be a good pick possibly at 59 what do you think some possibilities are
Joe (Saginaw): I don't see anyone the Pistons might draft that will make an impact... I see the Seattle deal as saving the Pistons a guaranteed contract, and maybe giving them a little extra bait to add to potential trades.
Keith Langlois: There goes my pick for 59 ... Mike Taylor just went to Portland at 55.
Ethan (Manistee, MI): do you think there is any chance that drew neitzel will be drafted?
Keith Langlois: Small possibility, Ethan, but I don't expect it.
Champion (Detroit): Keith, are all the players drafted eligible to play in Las Vegas or is there a limit?
Keith Langlois: They're all eligible to play there.
rob J - sthfld: there goes taylor...its has to be sasha
Sasha (Grand Ledge): Nah, I wouldn't say it's a bad draft. The Pistons weren't looking for someone to come in and be a big impact player immediately. And they also didn't have a No. 2 pick and blow it...they had a 29th pick (which seems to be a cursed in the NBA), and a 59th pick (not likely to be a huge player) The supposed trade gives them more players and more options too.
Ankha (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia): Keith, any international prospects left that the pistons were eyeing? Anyone who can make three pinters at NBA level?
Keith Langlois: Nobody else I'm aware of ... I think they had interest in Ibaka. I think they liked Goran Dragic. I think they liked Nathan Jawai some, not sure how much.
andy (ann arbor): Kaun drafted by who else... the Sonics
Sean (Wixom): New Jersey is stealing every pick in this draft! DJ white is a great fit for the pistons and can create a shot, and is hard working blue collar like in the post. joe D better know what hes doing here... keith, your thoughts thus far on the decision to get rid of dj white for the 46th pick and sharpe?
Josh (Ann Arbor): New Jersey had the BEST draft so far...what do you think?
Keith Langlois: Honestly, I've been pretty busy just keeping track of the picks and who's left to start looking at team drafts.
Darren (Cleveland): Hey Pistons fans...I got it...Sharpe and Plaisted to Minnesota for Al Jefferson. I could see McHale making that trade
Tony (Farmington): WHY would joe pass on CDR, or not trade up with the spurs for Arthur? Look at Sharpe's stats...
Josh (A2): seems like sonics had about half the picks
Carly (West Bloomfield): Good idea giving D.J. White to Seattle?
Keith Langlois: I've never seen Walter Sharpe play - can't believe too many fans have - so it's impossible to evaluate that deal just yet, Carly. When I see Sharpe play in Las Vegas, I'll only begin to form an opinion.
Bryan(East Lansing): Keith, what did Dumars see in Trent? I understand the Walter pick completely, but with Devon Hardin and Darnell Jackson there I don't understand the pick. Thanks.
Keith Langlois: I know the Pistons worked out Plaisted (and Sharpe). I assume they liked what they saw. The Pistons put a lot of weight on the individual workout and on the impression the prospect makes in his face-to-face with Joe D.
Kevin(Canton): Yea I agree with Sean I've been watching DJ white ever since he was a fresh at IU. I've always said that he would fit the Pistons and I even called it in my friends that we would draft him. Ironically we did then we trade him away which i still dont agree with.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): I thought Portland had a pretty great draft, too. Where can I get my Walter Sharpe jersey?
Keith Langlois: Stay tuned.
Josh (A2): Boston gets bill walker?
Keith Langlois: Yup. Just announced it. Nice fit for the Celtics. He'll play behind Paul Pierce.
angelo (chicago): man..bill walker to boston for cash
Adam(Atlanta): The team that beat us just got Walker
Tony (Farmington): Is it normal for players selected to be traded for cash later in the draft? it seems like Bill Walker was just given to the Celtics.
Keith Langlois: Not that unusual, especially for teams looking to pare payroll. Word was the Wizards were trying very hard to trade out of the first round completely, so it's not a surprise they didn't want to take on second-rounders.
Sean (Bowling Green): Is Sharpe a SF or PF?
Keith Langlois: power forward
Keith Langlois: OK, guys. The Pistons picked Deron Washington, a wing athlete from Virginia Tech. Very high motor, very good one-on-one defender, limited offensively. Situational player. D-League for next year. Got to run. I'll be back to blog later after we talk to Joe D
Stephen (Clarkston): If the pistons dont draft a Small Forward tonight, does that mean we'll be forced to resign jarvis? Id be more comfortable with giving Small forward Mins to Arron than jarvis.
Keith Langlois: Greetings. It's about a half-hour before the draft starts. I'll buzz through the questions already lined up in the queue until it starts and then be in and out of the chat throughout the draft. Stephen, no, not necessarily. I don't expect any decision to be made on Hayes until well into July or even August. If the Pistons draft a small forward, they're going to want to see what they have in the Las Vegas Summer League. Hayes won't be the only free agent backup small forward on the market, either. And then there's the trade market - in a year where Joe Dumars says he's looking to be active. So the backup small forward situation will be addressed after plenty of other things are put into place.
Matthew (Pinckney): Whats your take on the Raptors getting J. O'Neil? And could you see the pistons try and trade up tonight?
Keith Langlois: I liked that trade a lot for both teams, Matthew. If O'Neal is healthy - and the reports on him out of Las Vegas, where he's working out, are pretty good - then he makes Toronto a formidable team. O'Neal and Bosh up front make for a dynamic 1-2 punch and T.J. Ford was going to get squeezed out because of Jose Calderon. But Ford should be a great fit in Indiana, where his ability to push the ball should create open shots in transition - the way Jim O'Brien wants to play. I don't think the Pistons will trade up. I don't think they'll trade down, either, but I could easier see that happening.
donell clinton twp: i was looking at themock draft and i think the pistons do need a chris douglas roberts or a dj white, can you tell me your outlook on either player
Keith Langlois: I think there's a decent chance both of those players are there, Donell. I think CDR would be the pick, but I think the Pistons would take White, too. He's probably not the one guy they're hoping falls - I don't think there is one guy they think so much of they're hoping he falls, at least talking realistic possibilities - but White fits the Pistons' profile.
Angela (Canton): If Chris Douglas Roberts is selected by the Pistons would his addition make the Pistons bench better?
Keith Langlois: I like him. He's unorthodox. Not a great pure shooter, but he could become a very good pure scorer in the NBA. His motor reminds me a little of Rip Hamilton's - and that's saying something. I think some scouts are a little leery of him because he's tough to slot - a little slight to be a small forward, not a good enough pure shooter to be a great shooting guard. But I think he'll figure it out.
Andrea (Padova, Italy): hey Keith, who do you think is going to be the #1 pick? And do you think this draft will go down as one of the best and deepest drafts in history?
Keith Langlois: Pretty sure it's going to be Derrick Rose, Andrea. No, I don't think it's going to go down as one of the best. It is a pretty deep draft, if by deep you mean there will be players in the second round who'll eventually become at least valuable rotation players.
George, Grand Haven: Keith, What style of offense do you think Michael Curry will employ, and will that effect there Draft picks and or trades.I am sure Joe will influence this also.
Keith Langlois: I think he's going to push for an aggressive, attacking offense but one that values the basketball. He told me a few days after he was hired, for instance, that he wants Rodney Stuckey to be more aggressive, to err on the side of being too aggressive. He's going to demand the Pistons take the ball to the basket, get some points in the paint, get to the foul line. He's going to want to create offense out of defense, too. I don't think he's going to be a gambler, but he's going to get in your face.
Jerry (Indianapolis): So, Keith, it won't be Anthony and it won't be Baron Davis. What IS a potential deal that's quietly simmering until it's ready to serve?
Keith Langlois: The Davis thing was a complete fabrication, I suspect put out there by an agent looking to create interest in a client who'll be a free agent a year from now. The Anthony thing had - and still might have - some very real possibilities.
bobby (moreno valley,ca): is it anyway possible i could see a starting 5 of stuckey, hamilton, mcgrady,stoudamire,and johnson next season
Keith Langlois: Sure. Make up your own fantasy team. I don't think the Pistons' moves will be quite that dramatic.
ronny (royal oak): i like alex ainjinca do we have a chance of getting him
Keith Langlois: Ajinca is one of those guys who could go in the late lottery - or could slide out of the first round. If the Pistons go with a foreign big man, I think the guy would more likely be Serge Ibaka.
Brad (Allen Park): If Joe D is tighter with Curry than Flip, do you think Curry will play a larger role in the discussions tonight than Flip did in previous drafts? How involved are the coaches?
Keith Langlois: I think Joe D will solicit his opinion, but at the end of the day it's going to be Dumars making the call.
shawn(garden grove, CA): if the pistons have a choice between jason thompson and Chris Douglas Roberts who do you think they would choose?
Keith Langlois: My guess is CDR, but I don't think there's any chance I'm going to leave here tonight surprised by anything. It's the most uncertain draft in years. Somebody told me the other day that agents who have clients many have projected to go in the late lottery are worried they could slide out of the first round altogether.
Salo (Las VEGAS): is it possible to get Jason Maxiell for Al Thornton? if not what would it take to get Al Thornton? I Really think he would be a Great fit for the pistons
Keith Langlois: The Pistons like Thornton very much. They also like Maxiell very much. So do many teams around the league. I've been told that Maxiell is frequently asked about in trade talks by other teams.
Elmer, Jersey City: I believe it is one of these 3 the Pistons will be picking at 29th: Bill Walker, Jason Thompson or DJ White. Do you think so too? With Arnie Kander with us, it should be safe to pick Walker right?
Keith Langlois: Those are three names on my list - but it's loooong list. Kander would do as much as humanly possible to not only rehab Walker's knees as they are now, but help him develop a gait and a program that would give him his best shot to avoid recurrence.
Alec (Detroit): Who is the best player you can think of that was drafted in the second round?
Keith Langlois: Gilbert Arenas, Carlos Boozer, Michael Redd and Mehmet Okur come to mind.
Darren(Detroit): Do you think Joe D is going to do something drastic tonight?
Keith Langlois: I'm thinking his big move of the summer, if one is in the cards, will happen sometime in July after free agency begins - not signing a big-name free agent, but using the fluidity free agency generates to do a deal.
JOE (NEW HYDE PARK NY): TRADE T PRINCE AND THE 29TH PICK FOR JOSH HOWARD??
Keith Langlois: I'm not sure the Pistons would feel compelled to throw in a No. 1 pick in that deal. I like Howard. But that looks like a lateral move to me.
Jason ( Sterling Heights): I looked at your mock draft and you put Bill Walker at the 29th for the Pistons. i didn't see Chris Doglas-Roberts on your mock draft. Would he be available at the 29th pick. He is tall enough to play small forward and he could be the backup for prince if he is on the team at the end of the year.
Keith Langlois: Jason, I didn't expect CDR to be there until New Orleans traded out of the first round. Now I think it's a possibility. And as I wrote on my blog today, if it comes down to a choice between those two players, the Pistons would have a very tough decision to make. I think it's 50-50 which way they'd go.
Keith Langlois: Commissioner Stern has officially opened the draft. I guess given the way the winds are blowing, I'd be surprised if it wasn't Derrick Rose - but nothing else will surprise me.
donell (clinton twp): what do you think about a trade for t-mac
Keith Langlois: Depends what it takes to get him. He's a terrific talent, but his injury history is a deep concern.
Scott (Albany, Or): So which guard does Chicago let go?
Keith Langlois: Ben Gordon is a restricted free agent. I think they'll let him shop himself and then execute a sign and trade. I think they'd love to move Larry Hughes, but it will be tough given his big contract. Hinrich is available, too. And Duhon is a free agent. It could go a lot of different ways in Chicago. The starting backcourt next year could be Rose and Sefalosha even.
Jerry (Indianapolis): Keith, is there any way Jason Thompson isn't in a Pistons' uni if he falls to 29 by some massive stroke of luck?
Keith Langlois: I've gotten mixed signals on Thompson, Jerry. Not sure if they love him or just like him. There are a lot of guys they're comfortable with, but they really have no idea which ones are going to still be there at 29.
Jerry (Indianapolis): Keith, just one more. Rashid. Is he done? His rebounds have gone down dramatically while his three-point attempts have increased just as dramatically. There seems to be no "in the paint desire" in him. Does Joe HAVE to trade him, or should he carry him one more year for the expiring contract with LeBron, et al, coming free after next season?
Keith Langlois: His 3-pointers peaked a few years ago and have actually gone down significantly since then. He's a long way from done, Jerry. A lot of teams have inquired about him. The Pistons aren't giving him away, though.
Jack (Conroe): Who are the Pistons considering with the 59th pick in the draft?
Keith Langlois: Let's get 29 out of the way first. If you think it's confusing at 29, wait until we get into the middle of the second round.
Keith Langlois: Miami went with Michael Beasley. That's the smart pick. Even if the Heat are picking him to trade him, the value at No. 2 was Beasley. I'm not sure I understand Miami's reluctance with Beasley, if indeed it exists. I think they should play him opposite Shawn Marion and see what they have for a year. If they're incompatible, Marion's contract expires next season and they'd either have a very valuable trade chip at the deadline or huge cap relief next summer.
Devon (MI): If everything goes perfect for the Pistons, who will they be drafting at 29. Also with the second round pick do you see them drafting an international player and leaving him overseas to develop.
Keith Langlois: It's too late for that, Devon. If everything had gone perfectly, the Pistons would have been drafting Michael Beasley at 29.
Keith Langlois: Minnesota's on the clock now. The Timberwolves are one of the many teams that have to be wondering how much farther along they'd be if they had taken Rodney Stuckey last year. The T-wolves drafted seventh and took Florida's Corey Brewer, who looks like he'll be a role player. If they had Stuckey, they could play him in tandem with Randy Foye in a pretty dynamic backcourt and be looking at getting a good young big man with this pick to pair with Al Jefferson up front. Here comes Minnesota's pick. I think OJ Mayo is the best player left ... and so does Minnesota, apparently.
Scott (Albany, Or): Beasley, Marion and Wade...yikes
Keith Langlois: Yeah, Miami has a chance for a real nice turnaound. Not a Boston turnaround - unless Kevin McHale donates Al Jefferson to Miami the way he gave Kevin Garnett to Boston - but a team good enough to make a run at the playoffs.
Scott (Albany, Or): Kevin Love in Seattle is going to be nice!
Keith Langlois: I think you're going to hear that the Clippers and Sonics are trading their picks, Scott - the Clippers are coming up to No. 4, the Sonics down to No. 7 and getting a future first-round protected pick. The Clips are going to pick Eric Gordon from Indiana, probably, and I like that pick. Somebody described him to me as Chauncey Billups on steroids.
Steve (Detroit): I found it interesting that Rodney Stuckey is on the select team while other more proven pg's like Rondo and Devin Harris were alternates. I'm extremely high on Stuckey, so I'm not surprised, but it's good to see that others in the NBA value him so highly.
Keith Langlois: He made a big, big impression leaguewide with the way he played while filling in for Chauncey Billups in the second-round win over Orlando and then on the big stage against Boston in the conference finals.
Keith Langlois: Pat Riley was just talking about Michael Beasley on ESPN and he sure didn't sound like a guy who took Beasley reluctantly.
Keith Langlois: Well, that was a curveball. Seattle just took Russell Westbrook of UCLA. The word was that the Sonics and Clippers were swapping picks if OJ Mayo was off the board - if Mayo was still there, Seattle was supposedly keeping him for itself - and then the Clips would take Eric Gordon. So did Seattle take Westbrook to keep him? Or is Westbrook destined for the Clips?
Scott (Albany, Or): I agree with Gundy ...bad pick from Seattle
Keith Langlois: Westbrook is a pretty terrific athlete. He gets high marks for being a great team player and defender. But I'm not sure he's capable of being a lead guard.
Keith Langlois: Who does Memphis take? Gordon, Love, Lopez? They don't need a point guard, unless they're planning to use Kyle Lowry or Mike Conley in trade. So it won't be Bayless or Augustin. Here it comes. I'm guessing Love ... yup.
Keith Langlois: The Knicks are up next. The hot name linked to them for the past few days has been Italy's Danilo Gallinari. If he's the pick, it will be interesting to see the reaction of the Knicks fans at the draft.
Keith Langlois: If Seattle took Westbrook for itself, as seems likely now, then the Clippers have to be pretty happy. If Gordon was their guy, it looks like he's going to fall to them anyway. The Knicks just Gallinari, so Gordon is free to join the Clips. Gallinari got booed ... welcome to New York, kid.
Keith Langlois: That was interesting. They just said the player Gallinari admires most in the NBA is Tayshaun Prince. If he reaches that level, the Knicks will be very happy with that pick. Prince was the 23rd pick in one of the worst drafts in NBA history. That should give the Pistons some hope that they can get a pretty good player at 29 in a better draft.
Keith Langlois: Paul (Essexville, Mich.): How about trading next year's second-rounder from Minnesota for one of Portland's picks at 33 or 36?
Keith Langlois: Oops ... sorry for the format on that one, Paul ... I don't think Portland would want to do that. If you give up a high second-rounder this year, you're going to want a future first, not a future second that could be a worse pick.
David (Muskegon): Are Knicks fans the worst or what? Yeah, yeah, yeah... you don't like Gallinari. That's fine, but don't keep booing your newest player like that!
Keith Langlois: Hey, it's New York. If Gallinari can't handle a little booing on draft night, he'll tuck his tail between his legs on opening night. I know what you're saying, David - you'd think they'd give the kid the benefit of the doubt, since it's a pretty safe bet no one there has ever seen him play. They were really booing Knicks management, but it had to be a little tough for Gallinari to go through that.
Jim (East Lansing): Keith, will the summer league and USA select schedule conflict at all for Rodney Stuckey?
Keith Langlois: No, Jim. The Summer League will be all wrapped up about a week or so before the Select Team has to be back in Vegas to participate in Team USA's camp.
Keith Langlois: John Hammond, the former VP under Joe Dumars with the Pistons, just made his first pick with the Bucks. As expected, he went with West Virginia's Joe Alexander. That seemed like one of the sure bets of the draft until this afternoon's trade for Richard Jefferson. Now the Bucks have two terrific athletes at a position Hammond identified as one of need a month ago.
Scott (Albany, Or): How much further does Lopez fall? Espn's mock had him going to seattle
Keith Langlois: I think there's a pretty good chance he goes to Charlotte, Scott. It's also possible Larry Brown will take a point guard here. Maybe DJ Augustin or Jerryd Bayless.
Keith Langlois: Charlotte went with Augustin. That has Larry Brown's fingerprints all over it. DJ is in for an, um, educational experience. That leaves Lopez for New Jersey.
Keith Langlois: New Jersey took Brook Lopez. Probably a good pick, although the last time the Nets went with a 7-foot identical twin from Stanford ... Jason Collins didn't exactly take the league by storm. But a lot of people thought Lopez was the third-best value in this draft, so to get him at No. 10 ... kind of a no-brainer.
David (Muskegon): Still lots of big men on the board. That's good for Detroit, right?
Keith Langlois: Yeah, but there haven't been any real shockers yet, David. By that I mean the first 11 names off the board were all expected to be gone long before the Pistons got around to picking, so Joe Duamrs and his staff are still looking at the same list they've been looking at. The key will be if guys like McGee, Jordan or Speights start slipping.
Keith Langlois: Indiana took Jerryd Bayless. I like that pick. Yeah, the Pacers just traded for T.J. Ford, but Bayless can play both guard spots and Ford isn't durable enough to play 40 minutes a night, so there's room for him in that backcourt. He has the chance to be an advanced player offensively and that should mean he can thrive in Jim O'Brien's system at Indiana. Plus, at 11, it's a good value pick. A lot of people thought Bayless was going No. 4 to Seattle until a week or so ago.
Sam (St. Louis): do you see any international players Pistons may target at 29 and leave overseas?
Keith Langlois: Serge Ibaka from the Congo would be a consideration if he's still there. I don't know that there's any other international guy that would interest the Pistons. Nicolas Batum, if he's still there.
Tom(Macomb): Do you think Seattle is going in the right direction in rebuilding. 6 picks can make them even younger. They already have upcoming stars in Durant and Jeff Green.
Keith Langlois: I think they're going southeast, Tom - to Oklahoma City, which saddens me because Seattle is one of my very favorite cities. But I do think the franchise was right to tear it down and start over and I think they've got two solid building blocks in Green and Durant. Although, I'll say this: Seattle's another team that would have been better off taking Rodney Stuckey last year with the No. 5 pick. Stuckey running the point next to Durant would have been pretty nice. And then the fourth pick this year could have been spent on Kevin Love or Eric Gordon.
Keith Langlois: Well, that's the first real shocker of the night. Jason Thompson was talked about a little bit at No. 14 to Golden State, but a lot of people thought he'd still be there at 29 for the Pistons ... who might not have taken him, anyway. Going 12th to Sacramento is a real surprise.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): I have a feeling that the Pistons will draft someone that the Nuggets like and then package that player with Tay and Big Shot for Anthony and maybe the second round pick of the Nuggets, maybe. Just a gut feeling I've had all day. What say you?
Keith Langlois: Denver bailed out of the 20th pick, partly because they weren't very enamored of the talent available at that spot. I can't imagine there would be anybody available at 29 that would be enough to tip the scales on their decision whether or not to trade Anthony.
Dominic (Sterling Heights): New Orleans traded their 27th pick to the Blazers for cash considerations. Chris Douglas Roberts was projected to go at that position. If he falls to 29th Detroit HAS to get him. I think he's exactly what we need he is undervalued in this draft and can get us scoring off the bench with his slashing style. He's also a Detroit native. Can't go wrong with that.
Keith Langlois: We've already talked about him, Dominic. I think he's definitely someone who is in the mix. You can scroll through the chat to find our earlier discussion of CDR.
bonsaimike: With all the BIG talk of trading the core to some degree, i believe it is Rip that has the most value. With a starting combo of stuck and billups, there are 2 generals that are prtotype combo guards. Under Chauncey's mentor, Stuckey would learn the way to lead a team. Rip, with one year left and many miles surely to burn(this point is double edged) and the ease at which the Pistons could transition, this would bode well. Not to mention, after Chauncey, he has the highest trade worth as a player, right now. Taking into account years left, scoring, legacy, and ability, Rip is a pretty valuable asset. His selling point being THE go to guy is untouchable. Thoughts?
Keith Langlois: Well, I'm not sure whether you're advocating trading him or keeping him. For what it's worth, my gut feeling is he'll be back next year.
bobby (moreno valley,ca): i believe if pistons are looking to draft for a future trade it would be to sweeten a deal for mcgrady or stoudamire
Keith Langlois: I think there probably will be some trades announced after the first round that we don't know about yet. That Sacramento pick of Thompson at 12 came so far out of left field, that could be one of them. We'll see.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): Do you agree with me Keith that Kosta Koufas is very much overated and is a late first to early second round pick? I just hope that the Pistons select Douglass-Roberts!
Keith Langlois: I just haven't seen enough of him to draw any solid conclusions, Jake. I know he's young and he has a nice touch. A lot of people think he's got a pretty high ceiling. He probably also has a pretty low floor - meaning he could hit big or bust. Golden State was rumored to be one of his drop spots but the Warriors just went with Anthony Randolph, a prospect not unlike the guy they picked last year, Brandan Wright. Interesting pick.
bonsaimike(grand rapids, mi): I don't advocate anything in trading Rip. I just think he has the highest value, and would be the LEAST IRreplacable. Perhaps that bait, used with the draft pick at 29, would yield the highest value return. Is their another move involving the core that could yield more immediately, help the team long term, and have the least deleterious effect on the makeup, comdodery, and win-i-tude of the Pistons?
Keith Langlois: I think a lot of different possibilities are going to open up in July. And I could be wrong, but I think Hamilton is the least likely of the four core starters to be moved.
Matt (Traverse City): I know Bayless is a steal and fits O'Brien's system and all, but why would Indiana take him? There is no way they can play him and TJ Ford together in the backcourt. Teams will abuse them defensively.
Keith Langlois: They might not play too much at the same time next year, Matt, and I agree that Ford presents some defensive challenges for his team. But Bayless isn't a small point guard. I think he could play in tandem with Ford at least occasionally.
E.J (Kalamazoo): Can the Pistons draft Keith brumbaugh with the 59th pick
Keith Langlois: I don't think you'll see that one. Brumbaugh has some serious character red flags.
Steven (Clarkston): When will the Pistons announce their summer league roster? I am anxious to see these two surprise names on the team that you have been dropping hints about.
Keith Langlois: It could come soon, Steven. We'll try to find something out tonight, though we're not going to get much time with Joe Dumars.
Dominic (Sterling Heights): Isn't 15 a little high for Robin Lopez? I heard talk the Pistons were eyeing him.
Keith Langlois: It's one of those drafts, Dominic. Not a big suprise, really. I've heard that some NBA front offices actually liked Robin better than Brook. Maybe a little high, but that's exactly where I projected him going in my mock draft on Pistons.com.
Steven (Clarkston): What do you think about John Hammond's moves today in Milwaukee? That club is on the path to surprising a lot of people I believe. There is a lot of talent there with Williams, Redd, Jefferson, and Bogut. Young guys like Villanueva and Alexander will be a big help to. I think Skiles could make these guys legit. Milwaukee and Toronto look to be on the upswing for next year.
Keith Langlois: Very aggressive, very impressive, Steven. John was always exceptionally thorough and meticulous in his work with the Pistons. The thing people wanted to see was how he would do when he had to be the guy pulling the trigger. I liked his moves today very much. I'm not that high on Yi Jianlian but think Richard Jefferson gives the Bucks real punch. And I love the Alexander pick.
Dane (Indiana): Any chance we see Dumars take a hard working player such as Patrick Ewing Jr. or Deron Washington in the 2nd round? Those guys can get after it defensively, and are scrappy players that would be solid additions, who teams might overlook (just like they did with other hard workers like Maxiell and Afflalo).
Keith Langlois: It'll either be someone like that - a college veteran player with a blue-collar reputation - or a boom-or-bust type like Amir Johnson.
Sam (St. Louis): If the Pistons pick up one of the international players that has a no-opt out contract overseas, what does his rookie contract look like, if it takes years for him to get to the NBA?
Keith Langlois: It won't matter how much time he spends overseas, Sam. If the Pistons take him 29th, he'll be slotted into the rookie scale for the 29th pick whenever he decides to come to the NBA. Ibaka, by the way, is apparently determined to stay overseas for at least the next few years. He's only 18 and raw, so it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.
Ron: Why do teams love Robin Lopez? He keeps getting hyped as a guy with a great motor, who will be a rebounding and defensive specialist. Um, how does a guy who averages 5 rebounds per game in college become regarded as a rebounding specialist?
Keith Langlois: Good point, Ron. Some NBA scouts have brought that up - Robin is regarded as the superior defender and rebounder to Brook. I suppose they rationalize by figuring it's tough for two 7-footers to split up the points and rebounds in the college game.
Marc (Orlando): Could Milwaukee play Alexander at PF? He is athletic enough to do it, and would fit better there rather than playing behind Jefferson.
Keith Langlois: Only in certain spots against teams that go small, Marc. If the Pistons went small and moved Tayshaun Prince to power forward, then Milwaukee could match up. But he's going to have a hard time guarding players like Kendrick Perkins or Rasheed Wallace.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): I just want to thank you Keith for taking your time during this to answer our questions! All the fan-friendly stuff like the mailbag and blogs and chatting things that you do make this a very fun web site to come to. So thank you very much Mr. Langlois!
Keith Langlois: Thanks, Jake. Thanks to you and all fans out there for visiting the site and taking part in the live chat.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): oops, sorry Keith. Do you believe that Joe D would trade Tay and Big Shot for T-Mac? I've always had a soft spot for T-Mac and would love to see him dawn the Piston Blue!
Keith Langlois: And for that, you get the next question. My opinion is that he wouldn't do it without getting something else back from Houston - a draft pick or a decent role player.
Trey (Mt. Pleasant): Anthony Randolph and Maresse Speights look to be MAJOR busts, especially Randolph. Also, did you see John Hollinger's articles predicting future success of players in this draft? Randolph was rated stunningly poor, and wonder what your thoughts were of his ratings. He seems able to identify busts pretty darn well, way better than NBA teams have done.
Keith Langlois: I did see Hollinger's story. I think projecting NBA success by using college stats is sketchy. It can only be as accurate as the model used to make the projection and Hollinger admits his system is very much a work in progress. But there are plenty of reasons to believe that Randolph could just as easily be a washout as a solid starter.
Steven (Clarkston): Wow, Indiana just traded Bayless to Portland for Rush. Nice, nice deal for the Trail Blazers.
Keith Langlois: Interesting deal, Steven. Supposedly it involves Bayless and Ike Diogu going to Portland for Rush and Jarrett Jack. Diogu intrigues me. Jack has played well against the Pistons. That means Rush will be playing with his brother, Kareem, in Indiana.
Dominic (Sterling Heights): To add to Jake's question; what if Houston threw in Luther Head to back up Rodney Stuckey?
Keith Langlois: Head's not a point guard, Dominic. I think he could be a rotation piece, though he was pretty disappointing for Houston this year. I'd hold out for something more than Head.
Mark (Detroit, MI): Does Sacramento's pick surprise you? I read that Detroit was interested in drafting Thompson as our first pick.
Keith Langlois: It sure did, Mark. I thought the earliest Thompson would be in play was 14 at Golden State and most people thought that would be a real reach.
ryan (royal oak): could the pistons trade today in the draft
Keith Langlois: It's possible, Ryan. There is a lot of activity out there. I don't expect it, but I wouldn't be surprised.
Keith Langlois: The guy who has slipped the most right now is Darrell Arthur out of Kansas. He's not getting to the Pistons, but he has to be stung to still be there at 19. The best guess for the Cavs, up next, is Kosta Koufos out of Ohio State.
john, birmingham: joey dorsey seems like a 21 year old ben wallace clone and no one got production out of a ben type player like the pistons - is he in the mix?
Keith Langlois: I think he's in the mix, John, but there are wildly differing opinions of Dorsey. For everyone who thinks he's a Ben Wallace clone, there are others who don't see him as having the athleticism to be a big-time defender and rebounder. His shot-blocking numbers in college were so-so.
Ryan (Macomb): Are the Pistons going to draft their prediction (Bill Walker) still or go for Thompson?
Keith Langlois: Thompson's gone, Ryan ... went 12th to Sacramento.
Brady (Port Austin): Keith, is the East on the rise in general? Milwaukee and Toronto have made some major upgrades, maybe even Indiana as well. Also, I think the Wizards will sneak up on people. If they could just stay healthy, they would be lethal. They were the East's best team at the All-Star break a year ago when healthy. The East is getting good in a hurry.
Keith Langlois: That's what I thought last year, too, Brady, when the Knicks got Zach Randolph, the Bobcats got Jason Richardson and Orlando picked up Rashard Lewis. I tend to agree with you - I think the imbalance is closer to closing than most do, but I'm taking a wait-and-see approach.
Keith Langlois: The Cavs went for JJ Hickson, a mild upset. A lot of people think Hickson has a very high ceiling. A power forward to fight for minutes behind Ben Wallace. I think this really means Anderson Varejao is going to be out of Cleveland.
Steven (Clarkston): Any chance Joe Dumars makes a move quick here to trade up and get Darrell Arthur? To land him would be a steal.
Keith Langlois: Depends how much they like him and what it would cost, Steven. I think he's pretty good, but I wonder if it's worth a trade up at this point. In other words, do you think Arthur is going to be better than, oh, say Chris Douglas-Roberts or Bill Walker or Ryan Anderson, to name three.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): Is Devon Hardin being considered at all? I could watch his and Bill Walker's youtube highlight reels all day.
Keith Langlois: His numbers at Cal were pretty unspectacular, Bret. Look up Ryan Anderson's numbers compared to Hardin's at Cal. He is a spectacular athlete. I don't expect him to be picked at 29. He'll probably go about 10 spots below that.
Dominic (Sterling Heights, MI): A friend of mine told me Detroit offered Rasheed Wallace Amir Johnson and 1st rd pick for the rights to beasley and a cap filler ( I would assume Blount) Any truth to this?
Keith Langlois: News to me, Dominic. I'd be a little surprised if it were true.
Mark (Detroit, MI): What player/position should Joe D be looking to draft? I think that we need a little more depth in the paint. Any thoughts?
Keith Langlois: They're not targeting a position, Mark, because they aren't going to know what the roster will look like if Joe Dumars executes a trade or two. They're going for the best player still on the board more than ever this year.
Keith Langlois: Alexis Ajinca to Charlotte ... that one doesn't have Larry Brown's fingerprints on it. He's a project. He averaged five points in a game against fairly mediocre competition this year. Big, big, big gamble here.
Steven (Clarkston): Yes, Arthur is better than those guys. I think Arthur has the athleticism and tools to be a great NBA player. All those other guys have holes. CDR is an akward game, and isnt great athletically. Walker is injury prone and has fundmentals issues, while Anderson isnt a great athlete either. Arthur is a great athlete in the mold of Maxiell who fits better in the NBA than college, a guy who teams pass on because they over analyze the draft.
Keith Langlois: All I can tell you is there's great debate, Steve. A lot of people wonder why he never seemed to take over games in the Big 12. Yeah, the Jayhawks had a lot of balance and nobody put up really big numbers - that's why a lot of people like him. But he's still available at pick 21. I think there's pretty good shot New Jersey snaps him up here.
john, birmingham: is a zach randolph for sheed trade any kind of real option? I know randolph has issues but sheed is no picnic and at least zach will score down low
Keith Langlois: I don't know, John. I know Joe Dumars would have to be really convinced that Randolph could walk the straight and narrow in a different environment. He has major character red flags and Joe D's history is to steer clear of those guys, but maybe he's in enough of a gambling mood to give it a try. I would be surprised, but you never know.
bobby (moreno valley,ca): who in your personal opinion would be a better fit walker or cdr?
Keith Langlois: I like them both equally, Bobby. Not trying to dodge the question, but I think they'd both be guys who could see the floor next year.
Keith Langlois: Darrell Arthur makes sense for Orlando. A lot of sense. If he gets past them, you start to wonder if there's something that teams have flagged with him.
Marcus (Detroit): Wow, the Pistons might get real lucky soon. Only 7 picks away, and Douglas-Roberts, Arthur, Donte Green, Kofous, etc. are all still there. I am liking this.
Keith Langlois: Yeah, but you've got to give me 8 names to get excited about, Marcus, because I still think all of those could be gone ... maybe CDR.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): Do you think having Arnie Kander around (the best there is) could make Joe less nervous about rolling the dice with Walker??
Keith Langlois: Kander and Mike Abdenour gave Walker a thorough look-see when he worked out for the Pistons. If they take him, you can then assume that Kander gave him a clean bill of health. One of the things that makes Kander so valuable is the exercises and strength training techniques he imparts that help players avoid injury, so, again, if the Pistons take Walker, then you can assume Kander has reasonable confidence that he can work with him to help him avoid further knee injuries.
Scott (Albany, Or): kofous! We need a center
Keith Langlois: He just went to Utah, Scott. Didn't think he'd last that long.
Keith Langlois: Another guy slipping is Syracuse freshman Donte Green, a 6-10 shooter with the body and athletic ability to develop into a hybrid small/power forward. I don't think he'll make it to the Pistons. Arthur has to go to Seattle at 24, doesn't he? If not, he can't get past Portland at 27.
Keith Langlois: DeAndre Jordan was once talked about as a top-five pick. Is it possible he would slip to the Pistons? Yeah. It's also possible the Pistons would pass him up. It looks like he made the worst mistake of all in coming out. Athletic 7-footers are supposed to be gone a lot higher than this.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): CDR! CDR! CDR! CDR!
Scott (Albany, Or): Gotta hope for CDR
Keith Langlois: Here are the names still on the board after Seattle just took Serge Ibaka ...Donte Green, Bill Walker, Darrell Arthur, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Mario Chalmers, Nicolas Batum and DeAndre Jordan. Very good chance one of them is your newest Detroit Piston.
Champ (Mission Peninsula): How about DeAndre Jordan? He would be bad to take a flier on. Although, with guys like CDR, Green, and Arthur still there, we can't go wrong.
Keith Langlois: Well, yeah, Champ, they could go wrong. Not all of those guys are going to make it. The Pistons have to do the best job of identifying the one among them who'll hit.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): when is that IND, TOR deal gonna be completed
Keith Langlois: I don't believe it can become official until July 9, Jake. That's when the moratorium on trades and free-agent signings ends. It can't happen before then because of salary cap complications that deal with Ford's base-year status.
jason brownstown : you think walker going to the pistons?
Keith Langlois: We'll see soon enough, Jason. There will be other attractive options for them. I don't expect Arthur to make it that far. Jordan is the intriguing one. I think the Pistons would probably pass on him, too, as amazing as that sounds. But I could be wrong.
Andrea (Padova, Italy): My preferences would be: 1. Bill Walker 2. Mario Chalmers 3.CDR not sure about Jordan and Batum.
Keith Langlois: Batum just went. Chalmers would be interesting. It would give the Pistons tremendous point guard depth - and will fuel speculation that Chauncey Billups will be traded.
Tim (Oxford): Any chance of Joe picking Joey Dorsey? That guy is exactly what we need, is intense as heck and is a rebounding force. The Pistons are in such need of that. I know it would be high for him, but I think it would be great value.
Keith Langlois: I wouldn't be stunned, Tim. I know the Pistons worked him out and liked him. It would seem a bit of a stretch at 29, but if Joe D sees one outstanding quality that will help the team, sure.
jason brownstown : arthur arthur
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): In response to Champ, CDR! CDR! CDR! CDR!
ronny (royal oak): whats so great about cdr the only reason everyone wants to pick him is because hes from detroit why cant we get a center that we need
Keith Langlois: Is there a center left that can play? That's the question, Ronny.
ronald (coral springs): could we take darrel arthur
Keith Langlois: Ric Bucher just reported on ESPN that Arther apparently has an unspecified kidney condition that migth be scaring teams.
shawn(garden grove, CA): if CDR is taken who do you think the pistons will take: Donte Green or Bill Walker? plus i love chalmers, but we seem to have a lot of guards. Do you think we'd consider chalmers anyway?
Keith Langlois: Just a guess ... Green, if he's still there, because of his tremendous size and shooting touch. I think Walker would be better able to help next year, but Green has tantalizing potential. But Green and DeAndre Jordan are the two players who probably should have gone back to school. Arthur, too, but the kidney thing has put a cloud over this for him.
Jeff (Essexville): what's the chance that the pistons will be able to find out the necessary info about arthur's supposed kidney condition, to make an informed decision?
Keith Langlois: Well, they're not going to find out anything in the next 15 minutes they don't already know. I have to assume they have the same information other teams have ... which is the reason he's still sitting in the green room.
Tim (Seattle): I see Hammond is already hard at work building the Bucks back up to a contender. Is it possible any deals may be in the works between him and Dumars? And, does the league look more closely at deals done by former co-workers for anything possibly unfair to other prospective trade partners?
Keith Langlois: Teams don't usually deal within their own division, but I don't think that would affect those two guys at all. As to your second question, if they let Kevin McHale send Garnett to Boston and Danny Ainge, then I assume anything is a go.
jason brownstown : if pistons go after another guard what are the chances that they going to trade billups?
Keith Langlois: I wouldn't necessarily read that into it if, for instance, the Pistons take Mario Chalmers. It would give them the flexibility to do so, but Chalmers probably wouldn't be ready to step into the rotation of a championshiip contender immediately, anyway, so a year as the No. 3 point would be OK.
Sean (South Shore): Do you believe that Darrell Arthur is worth the risk for a team who is consistent like the pistons?
Keith Langlois: No way to answer that, Sean, without a medical degree and the reports in front of me. Apparently NBA teams that have had their medical personnel look at his records are sufficiently frightened.
Thomas (Macomb): Do you think that Donte Greene has a chance of being a Rashard Lewis type player one day?
Keith Langlois: I think he can become a good interior player, too, unlike Lewis, but I'm not sure he'll ever develop Lewis' range and stroke. I know he jacked up a lot of triples at Syracuse, but he didn't strike me as a shooter quite like Lewis. But, sure, he could become that.
Keith Langlois: Only one pick to go ... Donte Green, Bill Walker, CDR, Mario Chalmers and DeAndre Jordan are all there. Wow. When guys like Ryan Anderson, Courtney Lee and George Hill went, it pushed down some pretty good players. But it was the Spurs that took Hill, which makes me think the Pistons must have been interested in him, too - those two organizations think alike.
jake rockford: now with arthur gone is bill walker a lock at 29?
Keith Langlois: A long way from a lock, Jack. He'll be in the mix. We'll find out in less than 10 minutes.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): I feel like with the 29th pick... Joe only goes after a certain "type" of guy. the right attitude. He has to be the right fit. Any idea of the remaining players who might be in that mold?
Keith Langlois: Good call, Bret. Douglas-Roberts fits, for sure. Walker plays hard. Chalmers is tough-minded. Jordan has a rap as a guy who floats. Donte Green ... so-so.
Keith Langlois: Donte Green goes to Memphis, which means the Pistons can pick Chris Douglas-Roberts, Bill Walker, DeAndre Jordan or Mario Chalmers ... or D.J. White, or Joey Dorsey, or a foreign surprise.
Jake (Bryan, Ohio): YES! CDR is ours
jason brownstown : its cdr time
Keith Langlois: DJ White. That's somebody I thought was a strong possibility a week or so ago. In the last week or so, it seemed he'd fallen off the radar. But he's a tough, hard-nosed guy. Joe Dumars saw him live one night at Crisler Arena when White grabbed something like 22 rebounds against Michigan. If White doesn't have the ceiling of some other guys, he's a much safer bet to have a productive 10-year career.
James (Canberra, Australia): G'day from Australia, heard a rumour that the Pistons should draft the Australian Nathan Jawai? any thoughts?
Keith Langlois: Jawai will go in the next 10 picks, James, but the Pistons went with someone much more ready to step in now.
Keith Langlois: When you look at White's numbers from last year, it's pretty impressive. He played 33.5 minutes a game, scored 17.4 points a game, grabbed 10.3 rebounds a game, shot 60.5 percent from the field and 69 percent at the line. He's got a low-post game and he's got a pretty good face-up jump shot. He runs pretty well, too. Good lateral movement. Big body.
Stephen (Clarkston): DJ White? Another POWER FORWARD, how many PF's do the pistons need?
Keith Langlois: The way the game has evolved, Stephen, most teams are playing with two power forwards. If White can play, he'll play - he'll be an asset. And that will give Dumars more weapons to take to the table. It will be interesting to see White in the Las Vegas Summer League. Remember, that's when we were first pretty certain that Rodney Stuckey was going to have an impact almost immediately.
Sam (St. Louis): I see a lot of Reggie Evans in DJ White, do you see DJ being a better player in the long run?
Keith Langlois: He's definitely more gifted offensively, Sam. The thing that makes Evans so valuable is that he does one thing better than 95 percent of everybody else - rebound. And he plays so hard, he makes those around him elevate their effort level, too.
Gabe (Ann Arbor): Hey Keith, thanks for doing this chat! I'm trying to give Joe the benefit of the doubt, but I would have rather seen us take a chance on DeAndre Jordan, because while White's a safer choice, I think if you get the chance to draft someone with the upside of Jordan at pick 29 you should take it. But, with that said, in Joe I trust. Also, you think there's any chance the pistons try to pick up a early second rounder to draft Bill Walker?
Keith Langlois: We'll see. Jordan has to be reeling right now. This guy was said to be the next Dwight Howard a year or so ago. I don't know if the Pistons will trade up. They have the ammunition to do so with three second-rounders next year.
Sam (St. Louis): Heard from ESPN that we're trading DJ White to Seattle for #32 and #46, can you confirm this?
Keith Langlois: If so, that's interesting. Trading down from the first round to the early second is advantageous because it eliminates the guaranteed contract. It also makes it easier to draft a foreign player and stash him overseas, if need be.
larry saginaw: I don,t get it they said they were gonna go the "best player availble" route.You can,t tell me DJ white is the best player available.I herd the rumors about a promise the pistons made to DJ just like stuckey last year.I shoulda figured this out.
Keith Langlois: Well, maybe they promised to trade him to Seattle, because that's what ESPN is reporting.
Jesse (White Pine): Keith, there is talk that DJ White will be traded to Seattle for 2 of their second round picks...has this been confirmed?
Keith Langlois: Not yet, Jesse. We're still waiting outside of Joe Dumars' offices. When we know something, I'll pass it along.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): I trust Joe... but if it were up to me, it'd be Bill Walker.
Keith Langlois: Maybe it will be ... at 46. Or 32. Maybe they'll get CDR at 32. Or a foreign big man - Nathan Jawai, perhaps, or Ante Tomic - or Mario Chalmers. Or DeAndre Jordan. Still some really surprising names available.
Tyler Bloomfield Hills: Why Didn't Detroit Select Chris Douglas Roberts of Memphis?
Keith Langlois: If this trade for Seattle is for real, they must have seen the value in trading down three picks and picking up No. 46.
Keith Langlois: The T-Wolves took Nikola Pekovic first in the second round, which brings the Pistons to the table at 32 ... although we still don't have any confirmation from the Pistons that the trade went down. Here's one more benefit from not having to pay first-round guaranteed money: It will give Joe Dumars that much more flexibility over the summer in signing free agents or making trades.
Keith Langlois: Walter Sharpe ... major, major sleeper. He had narcolepsy, of all things, that affected him earlier in his career. We know very little about him, except he came on very late in the draft process and is supposedly a very, very athletic player - a shot blocker. Might be a little bit like Amir Johnson. He was academically inelgible in the second half of last season and played just 18 college games. He went to Mississippi State first and then transfered to UAB.
Keith Langlois: It appears the narcolepsy Sharpe suffers from - memory lapses, excessive daytime sleeping - was only recently diagnosed. He was relieved at the diagnoses and believes it was at the root of his other problems. Sharpe was ruled academically inelgible and was arrested last fall for disorderly conduct after an argument and fight at a nightclub. He's a high-risk, high-reward type of pick. That's what fans who were screaming for DeAndre Jordan wanted.
Sal (Detroti): Why Sharpe over all the names avalible? I think that is a terrible pick.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): Walter Sharpe... narcoleptic academically ineligible philosophy major... I LIKE IT! (like really, basketball is fun)
Darren (Cleveland): I just don't get it..CDR out there, Bill Walker, and Joe D makes a trade to get Walter Sharpe?
Jesse (White Pine): Walter Sharpe worked out for the Pistons, so, presumably, he impressed the powers-that-be. He probably would have been available to us with our later second round picks, though...right?
Keith Langlois: I think the Pistons were convinced he wouldn't be. I first heard Sharpe's name mentioned last week. Heard he was really wowing people in workouts. Some mock drafts started slipping his name into second rounds.
Joey Saline: Who do you think the Pistons will pick next?
Keith Langlois: Not a clue yet, Joey. Is it possible Bill Walker falls to 46? No way Douglas-Roberts does.
James (Canberra, Australia): Have you had it confirmed yet Keith? If so what's your opinion of Walter Sharpe? Will he play straight away? Is he just ammunition for a trade?
Keith Langlois: Not officially yet, James, but we've gotten pretty clear indications it's for real.
tej Rochester Hills: Mr. Keith, I was wondering why did the pistons pass on dorsey? What else are you hearing about the pistons picking, and who do you think would make a good piston?
Keith Langlois: We'll let you know as soon as Joe Dumars comes out and explains himself. But with two picks now coming pretty close together, I don't think we'll hear from Joe D until after 59 now.
Keith Langlois: I'm going to throw out some names at 46 ... Kyle Weaver, a defensive-minded, high-energy guard from Washington State; Richard Hendrix, a highly productive but undersized power forward from Alabama; Goran Dragic, an international point guard; Malik Hairston, a Detroiter who could play small forward or shooting guard; Mike Taylor, a very tough guard who played in the D League last year after leaving Iowa State; and Sonny Weems, an extremely athletic swingman from Arkansas.
Will Russellville, Ar.: Do you see the draft choice tipping Joe D's hand on a possible trade of our core?
Keith Langlois: No, Will, I don't think this pick had anything to do with with moves Joe D will make this summer. This is a guy who almost certainly will be inactive and spending time in the D League next year, but he has high-end potential. My guess is the Pistons see him as a lottery talent if his affliction had been diagnosed earlier.
rob J in southfield: richard hendrix is still on the board for #46
Keith Langlois: Yup, I mentioned him. But Sharpe plays that position, so I don't know if the Pistons would go for another PF. They might, though, if they really like him. I do think he's a bit undersized, though. I was told he's really about 6-7. That makes it tough to be a power player unless you have Jason Maxiell's athleticism.
Ryan (Commerce): How shocking is it to you that at pick 38 Douglas Roberts is still available? I heard he wasnt impressive in workouts, but he was a MAJOR scoring option for Memphis
Keith Langlois: Very surprising, Ryan. I know there were questions about him because of his unorthodox game. I think somebody will be very happy to get him at this point.
Nate - Neptune City, NJ: I don't know anything about White or Sharpe. I Checked Youtube; White looks like a great postup forward, just what we need. Now seems he's gone just that quick. What do you think?
Keith Langlois: I don't know much about Sharpe. I saw plenty of White and think that guy will be in the NBA for a lot of years. I don't know that he'll ever be good enough to start. I think the Pistons believe Sharpe could become that type of guy.
Josh (Ann Arbor): Dang I already had my CDR signs made for next season...
Keith Langlois: He just went to New Jersey. Nice pick for the Nets at that spot.
D flint: hey keith, do you think any of the trades made recently affects the pistons? And do you really think bill walker will fall to them at 46 if he does i think that would be a steal
Keith Langlois: You have to wonder what the medical opinions of Walker's knees really were. He was an explosive player, before two torn ACLs. He was showing signs of getting back to that point late this season. He suffered what's been called a minor knee injury - a ligament strain, supposedly - a few weeks ago. Whoever gets him will know the risks.
Ankha: hello Keith, do you see more trades involving pistons tonight that we have 3 picks now?
Ankha(Mongolia): forgot to mention my city...pistons fan since 2000
Keith Langlois: Had to post a question from Mongolia. Is that Outer or Inner? Don't know about more trades, Ankha - anything is possible on this wacky night.
Kyle (Negaunee): Although I'm pulling my hair out about Sharpe, I trust Joe D..I remember screaming a few years back after this Maxiell dude was picked instead of Simien.
Keith Langlois: Good point, Kyle. I think Sharpe is going to win some people over once his story is known. I'll be interested to know exactly what the Pistons know about his narcolepsy and if they think that was the underlying cause for his other problems.
rob J (southfield): looks like devon hardin, cali
Keith Langlois: That would be a pretty good pick, Rob. His production at Cal was pretty unremarkable, but he's such a physical specimen.
jeremiah - phoenix: What is going on??? I am hoping for bill walker!!! What about this trade rumor of Chauncey and sheed going to golden state for Baron davis and al harrington? any leaks???
Keith Langlois: Nothing to that rumor, Jeremiah.
Will Russellville, Ar: Do you think the Pistons are trying to save money for the big free agent class next summer?
Keith Langlois: Nope. That's not in Joe D's plans. Teams that stash money thinking they'll be players for elite free agents almost always are disappointed.
Keith Langlois: Pistons are on the clock at 46. Bill Walker and DeVon Hardin are still there. So is Malik Hairston, a Detroit native. Just found out that Sharpe was shot two years ago. Sounds like he was an innocent victim. He heard gunfire in a public housing community and got hit with a small-caliber bullet in the lower left abdomen.
Tyler (Lima, OH): Walker is there at 46...do it Joe!
Keith Langlois: It is not official, but I've been posting that it's been acknowledged.
Keith Langlois: Trent Plaisted of BYU goes 46, presumably to the Pistons. They worked him out. Nice offensive touch. Supposedly more of a finesse player than a banger, though he's an honest 6-10.
Tyler (Lima, OH): WHAT! Trent Plaisted! Just kill me now!
Paul(Grand Rapids): These picks can't really be for Detroit can they?
Keith Langlois: We'll find out when Joe D comes to address the media ... it looks like that won't be until after the 59th pick now.
jason brownstown : you think trent could help immediately?
Keith Langlois: Not very likely that the 46th pick will offer immediate help, Jason.
angelo (chicago): man! this is really bad. i hope joe d knows what he's doing. D.J. wouldve been the guy we needed!
Josh (A2): Joe Dumars must see something that NO one else sees
Bill (Flint): Do you think we could pick Davon Jefferson if he falls to us at 59?
Keith Langlois: As good a guess as any, Bill. I know Jefferson hurt himself by testing poorly in Orlando. Lots of athleticism, not much basketball skill at this point.
Keith Langlois: If he's there, my guess at 59 is Mike Taylor, a guard who was at Iowa State but played last season in the D League.
Kyle (Negaunee): ehhh...I did find out Sharpe is terrible from the line..a career 52%
Keith Langlois: Yeah, but the career consists of 18 games over three years. Not much of a study size. I wouldn't make too much of it.
Darren (Cleveland): I'm sorry, but considering who was on the board AFTER they traded D.J. White, this is by far the worst draft since Darko.
Dominic (Sterling Heights, MI): We couldve had CDR and Bill Walker but we have these two guys who, frankly I've never heard of, I sincerely hope Joe D proves me wrong
James (Canberra, Australia): Bill Walker has been picked at 47 is that correct?
Keith Langlois: Yes.
Matt (Sterling Heights): Any possibility a trade to Minnesota for Chalmers could still happen?
Keith Langlois: We're hearing Minnesota sent Chalmers to Miami for two seconds. Nice pickup for Miami.
Kyle (Negaunee): Actually, I remember watching Sharpe play this year against Kentucky. Though, his teamate Robert Vaden was the real stud, I don't think he's out this year? Sharpe played well that game, I think he had 10 or 12 if I remember right. Strong post presence..
Michael State College PA: How do these 6'9, 6'10 guys styles compare with Amir and Jason or Prince. What Position so think they will play?
Keith Langlois: I think Sharpe would be much more in the Amir mold than Plaisted. Plaisted is more of a face-up jump shooter, as far as I know.
Abe (New York, NY): Ok guys, I think we should relax. We have our big man rotation set for next year, barring trades. Sheed, Max, Dyess, Amir. And we will add a veteran big man like Ratliff late in the year. We didn't want to give a guaranteed contract, so we took a risk on Sharpe. Could we have taken a risk on Walker as well? Yes, but we opted for a solid guy that can play center. No point in taking risks on two players at the same position.
Ethan (Manistee, MI): what happend to Bill walker? they had 3 chances to get him and passed up on all 3 for crazy picks. why?
Bret (Mount Pleasant): I just think, like... I remember being bummed when we drafted Tayshaun. "We need a point guard! Tinsley is still available! And then a few years ago with Maxiell... he wasn't a name, either. I even remember not being thrilled that Stackhouse - the face of our team - was being traded for Rip. And I was wrong each time. There's a reason Joe gets the money. He's the absolute best.
Josh (A2): this is the weirdest draft I've ever seen.
Champion (Detroit): is there any noise regarding the suns/pistons?
Keith Langlois: Nothing recently.
garrett (lansing): two picks and still no backup for prince. what are the options going to look like at that position for our final pick?
Keith Langlois: You can't really depend on the 59th pick as a rotation piece, Garrett. That's for trades/free agency.
jason brownstown : you think plaisted could be like laimbeer?
Keith Langlois: I don't think anybody is quite like Bill Laimbeer. He might have the shot, but does he have the chip on his shoulder and willingness to wear the black hat?
rob J (southfield): ok, sasha kaun is a defensive forward from kansas with athletic skills. looks like a good pick for 59
Will D (Detroit): can you explain the logic in these picks?
Kevin(Canton): I still cant believe they gave up D.J. that easily... Guess we just have to trust Joe D
Tom (Allen Park): Do you think the Pistons might go after a guy like Chris Lofton @ 59?
Keith Langlois: Would make some sense. The kid's a flat-out shooter. A lot of people question whether he could get his shot off in the NBA.
Kyle (Negaunee): Joe Crawford would be a nice option at 59..as nice as the options are at 59...
Matt(NJ): Honestly, is there a good chance either one of these guys makes the team?
Keith Langlois: I think you can assume Sharpe has a good shot. Plaisted .. we'll begin evaluating him in Las Vegas in a few weeks.
Abe (New York, NY): Actually, disregard that last comments. What were we thinking? We could have had CDR and Walker, and we would be D-league champions year after year! Keith, be honest with us. If we keep our current team, what position do we need help the most with, right now?
Keith Langlois: They have no glaring holes, Abe, but they are going to need to address small forward at some point. Plenty of time and opportunity to do that, though.
Tyler (Lima, OH): The thing about Max, Tayshaun etc. was that they were outstanding college players. Joe just drafted guys who weren't remotely even the best players on their bad college teams.
Ankha (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia): Before you leave us, may be you have expressed this already, but so far which pick do you think was the steal of the draft? Brook Lopez? Darrel Arthur? *Thanks
Keith Langlois: Too tough to project that, Ankha, but I think some of these guys that went in the 30s and 40s are going to turn out to be better players than some of the guys taken in the teens and 20s. I like Chalmers a lot for Miami.
rob J: southfield: sasha kaun...imagine mason introducing him ssshhhhhaaaa sashaaaa kaun...think chaka kaun
josh(perrysburg): sasha kauhn the center from kansas would be a good pick possibly at 59 what do you think some possibilities are
Joe (Saginaw): I don't see anyone the Pistons might draft that will make an impact... I see the Seattle deal as saving the Pistons a guaranteed contract, and maybe giving them a little extra bait to add to potential trades.
Keith Langlois: There goes my pick for 59 ... Mike Taylor just went to Portland at 55.
Ethan (Manistee, MI): do you think there is any chance that drew neitzel will be drafted?
Keith Langlois: Small possibility, Ethan, but I don't expect it.
Champion (Detroit): Keith, are all the players drafted eligible to play in Las Vegas or is there a limit?
Keith Langlois: They're all eligible to play there.
rob J - sthfld: there goes taylor...its has to be sasha
Sasha (Grand Ledge): Nah, I wouldn't say it's a bad draft. The Pistons weren't looking for someone to come in and be a big impact player immediately. And they also didn't have a No. 2 pick and blow it...they had a 29th pick (which seems to be a cursed in the NBA), and a 59th pick (not likely to be a huge player) The supposed trade gives them more players and more options too.
Ankha (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia): Keith, any international prospects left that the pistons were eyeing? Anyone who can make three pinters at NBA level?
Keith Langlois: Nobody else I'm aware of ... I think they had interest in Ibaka. I think they liked Goran Dragic. I think they liked Nathan Jawai some, not sure how much.
andy (ann arbor): Kaun drafted by who else... the Sonics
Sean (Wixom): New Jersey is stealing every pick in this draft! DJ white is a great fit for the pistons and can create a shot, and is hard working blue collar like in the post. joe D better know what hes doing here... keith, your thoughts thus far on the decision to get rid of dj white for the 46th pick and sharpe?
Josh (Ann Arbor): New Jersey had the BEST draft so far...what do you think?
Keith Langlois: Honestly, I've been pretty busy just keeping track of the picks and who's left to start looking at team drafts.
Darren (Cleveland): Hey Pistons fans...I got it...Sharpe and Plaisted to Minnesota for Al Jefferson. I could see McHale making that trade
Tony (Farmington): WHY would joe pass on CDR, or not trade up with the spurs for Arthur? Look at Sharpe's stats...
Josh (A2): seems like sonics had about half the picks
Carly (West Bloomfield): Good idea giving D.J. White to Seattle?
Keith Langlois: I've never seen Walter Sharpe play - can't believe too many fans have - so it's impossible to evaluate that deal just yet, Carly. When I see Sharpe play in Las Vegas, I'll only begin to form an opinion.
Bryan(East Lansing): Keith, what did Dumars see in Trent? I understand the Walter pick completely, but with Devon Hardin and Darnell Jackson there I don't understand the pick. Thanks.
Keith Langlois: I know the Pistons worked out Plaisted (and Sharpe). I assume they liked what they saw. The Pistons put a lot of weight on the individual workout and on the impression the prospect makes in his face-to-face with Joe D.
Kevin(Canton): Yea I agree with Sean I've been watching DJ white ever since he was a fresh at IU. I've always said that he would fit the Pistons and I even called it in my friends that we would draft him. Ironically we did then we trade him away which i still dont agree with.
Bret (Mount Pleasant): I thought Portland had a pretty great draft, too. Where can I get my Walter Sharpe jersey?
Keith Langlois: Stay tuned.
Josh (A2): Boston gets bill walker?
Keith Langlois: Yup. Just announced it. Nice fit for the Celtics. He'll play behind Paul Pierce.
angelo (chicago): man..bill walker to boston for cash
Adam(Atlanta): The team that beat us just got Walker
Tony (Farmington): Is it normal for players selected to be traded for cash later in the draft? it seems like Bill Walker was just given to the Celtics.
Keith Langlois: Not that unusual, especially for teams looking to pare payroll. Word was the Wizards were trying very hard to trade out of the first round completely, so it's not a surprise they didn't want to take on second-rounders.
Sean (Bowling Green): Is Sharpe a SF or PF?
Keith Langlois: power forward
Keith Langlois: OK, guys. The Pistons picked Deron Washington, a wing athlete from Virginia Tech. Very high motor, very good one-on-one defender, limited offensively. Situational player. D-League for next year. Got to run. I'll be back to blog later after we talk to Joe D
