[JoeWolf1]

  Did Detroit really make the right move?

Detroit’s free agent infusion hasn’t exactly panned out the way many had thought to start the year. They have argueably the most promising young 4/5 combo in the league, and adding a guy like Josh Smith didn’t make the most sense, but I could roll with it because he can defend the 3 spot; however, the guy to bring this new squad together is…Brandon Jenning?and they gave up a 21 year old ( who has reecently turned 22) who maybe didn’t have the initial impact they wanted.

Sure, Detroit is a little better, and Jennings is playing with more talent, but was this really the right move?

Jennings : 36.2 mpg – 17.6 ppg 8.1 apg 3.1 TO/PG 38% / 34% / 78%

Knight: 32.1 mpg – 16.7 ppg 4.9 apg 2.8 TO/PG 41% / 35% / 82%

Knight has picked up his play lately as well…

20.1 ppg 6.7 apg on 42% shooting in his last 10 games.

I know playing for the worst team in the league has it’s individual statistical advantages, but Detroit isn’t exactly San Antonio and still sit below 500. Did they give up on Knight too early, in favor of a guy who came into the league ready, but didn’t improve much over his first 5 seasons?

 

[SpartanGloryParticipant]

 Knight was never goin to be the long term answer at pg for the Pistons. The problem was that Joe Dumars couldn’t wait to blow all that free agent money instead of staying pat and developing the young guys and getting a good guard or sf in the draft. So, the sign and trade for Jennings wasn’t what the team really needed, but I don’t think Knight would have been the team’s pg of the future anyway.

[SpartanGloryParticipant]

 Knight was never goin to be the long term answer at pg for the Pistons. The problem was that Joe Dumars couldn’t wait to blow all that free agent money instead of staying pat and developing the young guys and getting a good guard or sf in the draft. So, the sign and trade for Jennings wasn’t what the team really needed, but I don’t think Knight would have been the team’s pg of the future anyway.

[BajeebzParticipant]

Detroit is 22-30 in the east, and they’re spending over $21 million per year for Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings. In hindsight, they should’ve drafted Trey Burke.

[BajeebzParticipant]

Detroit is 22-30 in the east, and they’re spending over $21 million per year for Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings. In hindsight, they should’ve drafted Trey Burke.

[esperanzafleet69Participant]

 this.. they absolutely should have just drafted trey burke. they probably wouldnt have the expectations they have now and would also would probably be keeping their draft pick this year. not to mention burke would probably be better than either player.

[esperanzafleet69Participant]

 this.. they absolutely should have just drafted trey burke. they probably wouldnt have the expectations they have now and would also would probably be keeping their draft pick this year. not to mention burke would probably be better than either player.

[JoeWolf1]

 MCW was on the board at 8 too…

[JoeWolf1]

 MCW was on the board at 8 too…

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Jennings nor Knight is the answer…Neither guy are pass 1st point guards,which is something they need with 2 talented developing bigs like Monroe & Drummond that need the ball…They also could use more outside shooting….

Charlotte owns their pick which is top 8 protected….Detroit would benefit greatly by tanking and try adding a dynamic wing that will cause double teams like Parker or select that point guard they really need like Smart….

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Jennings nor Knight is the answer…Neither guy are pass 1st point guards,which is something they need with 2 talented developing bigs like Monroe & Drummond that need the ball…They also could use more outside shooting….

Charlotte owns their pick which is top 8 protected….Detroit would benefit greatly by tanking and try adding a dynamic wing that will cause double teams like Parker or select that point guard they really need like Smart….

[HaleParticipant]

Before last night Jennings was on a tear of his own averaging like 25 and 9 over 10 games or something. Not to mention for a much of a chucker as he is he is a dramatically better PG than Knight. Knight is a combo, Jennings is a point (check out the difference in assist-turnover ratio). They did make the wrong move though. As someone already said they should’ve drafted Trey Burke and the Josh Smith signing was stupid. I said before the year that Detroit went from having one of the brightest futures in the NBA to being stuck in no mans land because of their horrible offseason.

[HaleParticipant]

Before last night Jennings was on a tear of his own averaging like 25 and 9 over 10 games or something. Not to mention for a much of a chucker as he is he is a dramatically better PG than Knight. Knight is a combo, Jennings is a point (check out the difference in assist-turnover ratio). They did make the wrong move though. As someone already said they should’ve drafted Trey Burke and the Josh Smith signing was stupid. I said before the year that Detroit went from having one of the brightest futures in the NBA to being stuck in no mans land because of their horrible offseason.

[YouthinkyouknowParticipant]

 Everyone hates on Brandon Jennings so much…he is top 5 I’m assist without other shooters or ball handlers(don’t u dare say stuckey he doesn’t even start) pope incosistant,billups is old .. It’s there first year together as a team you all need to relax. Josh smith future will be at the 4 with Drummond next year. There a few pieces away from being a solid team! I love Monroe but he is unfortunately the odd man out and I think should trade him to get something rather than letting him walk for free.

[YouthinkyouknowParticipant]

 Everyone hates on Brandon Jennings so much…he is top 5 I’m assist without other shooters or ball handlers(don’t u dare say stuckey he doesn’t even start) pope incosistant,billups is old .. It’s there first year together as a team you all need to relax. Josh smith future will be at the 4 with Drummond next year. There a few pieces away from being a solid team! I love Monroe but he is unfortunately the odd man out and I think should trade him to get something rather than letting him walk for free.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 Knight has improved his efficiency a lot with the Bucks and is having a better year than Jennings with regard to individual statistics.  Khris Middleton, the other player in that trade, has also had a really solid season.  

Jennings is the more talented player and is a better playmaker.  He can run an offense better than Knight.  Knight is really best suited for SG, as he is a really good spot-up shooter, but struggles at other aspects of the game.  When asked to create, he struggles.  At the end of games, Knight often seems to be the Bucks’ only offensive option and Knight has a usage rate in clutch situations that is higher than his TS% in those situations (Ouch).  

In hindsight, the best move likely would have been keeping Knight and drafting MCW.  MCW could be the starting PG and Knight could start at SG, but on defense those positions could be reversed.  Of course, who knows if Knight would have improved so much if he remained on the Pistons and who knows if his improvement really would have made a big difference on the team.

Detroit just has a very poorly constructed roster.  Accumulating talent is only good if that talent either fits together or can be traded for talented players that do fit together.  If I were the Pistons, I would strongly consider trading Greg Monroe, but I’m not sure if Monroe’s trade value will really be as high as that of a big man with his numbers usually would be due to the fact that Detroit’s dysfunctional roster has exposed his weaknesses.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 Knight has improved his efficiency a lot with the Bucks and is having a better year than Jennings with regard to individual statistics.  Khris Middleton, the other player in that trade, has also had a really solid season.  

Jennings is the more talented player and is a better playmaker.  He can run an offense better than Knight.  Knight is really best suited for SG, as he is a really good spot-up shooter, but struggles at other aspects of the game.  When asked to create, he struggles.  At the end of games, Knight often seems to be the Bucks’ only offensive option and Knight has a usage rate in clutch situations that is higher than his TS% in those situations (Ouch).  

In hindsight, the best move likely would have been keeping Knight and drafting MCW.  MCW could be the starting PG and Knight could start at SG, but on defense those positions could be reversed.  Of course, who knows if Knight would have improved so much if he remained on the Pistons and who knows if his improvement really would have made a big difference on the team.

Detroit just has a very poorly constructed roster.  Accumulating talent is only good if that talent either fits together or can be traded for talented players that do fit together.  If I were the Pistons, I would strongly consider trading Greg Monroe, but I’m not sure if Monroe’s trade value will really be as high as that of a big man with his numbers usually would be due to the fact that Detroit’s dysfunctional roster has exposed his weaknesses.

[machu46Participant]

Yeah, this is my opinion too.  MCW + Knight would actually make sense.  Getting Jennings in and of itself isn’t a bad move.  It’s the fact that they got him and thought he’d be a pass-first PG to set up Smith, Monroe, and Drummond (which just doesn’t work with all 3 being on the court at the same time) that was and still is silly.

Knight isn’t a solution at the PG position for Milwaukee either, unless Giannis really becomes a point-forward and Knight can play off the ball.  Middleton has been a pleasant surprise.  Not sure if he’ll ever be a starter on a good team, but he looks like a really solid, versatile role player.

 

[machu46Participant]

Yeah, this is my opinion too.  MCW + Knight would actually make sense.  Getting Jennings in and of itself isn’t a bad move.  It’s the fact that they got him and thought he’d be a pass-first PG to set up Smith, Monroe, and Drummond (which just doesn’t work with all 3 being on the court at the same time) that was and still is silly.

Knight isn’t a solution at the PG position for Milwaukee either, unless Giannis really becomes a point-forward and Knight can play off the ball.  Middleton has been a pleasant surprise.  Not sure if he’ll ever be a starter on a good team, but he looks like a really solid, versatile role player.

 

[jwall1Participant]

 Detroit should have kept Knight, played him at the 2, and drafted MCW or Trey Burke (Obviously we know MCW is the better player, but most though Burke was during the draft). I could honestly care less that Jennings is dishing 8 imes a game, his chuking and crappy attitude completely overshadow that. Knight on the other hand has a great attitude and is a better shooter. Detroit has not improved at all with Smith and Jennings, so clearly they need to reassess their rebuilding techniques..

[jwall1Participant]

 Detroit should have kept Knight, played him at the 2, and drafted MCW or Trey Burke (Obviously we know MCW is the better player, but most though Burke was during the draft). I could honestly care less that Jennings is dishing 8 imes a game, his chuking and crappy attitude completely overshadow that. Knight on the other hand has a great attitude and is a better shooter. Detroit has not improved at all with Smith and Jennings, so clearly they need to reassess their rebuilding techniques..

[samosasParticipant]

 Running a front office is a very difficult thing.  The Pacers, Golden State and recent Phoenix have all done a great job of turning their luck around.  Detroit gave up three years into Knight’s career, now they suck again and are stuck with some giant contracts.  Sometimes you just got to roll the dice and trust your instincts, even if you do suck for a while (I’m looking at you, Cleveland).

[Scott42444Participant]

instincts and their intincts are terrible.  They also rolled the dice, Dion Waiters and Andrew Bynum are great examples, but that backfired immensely.  Some teams, like the Pacers, Golden State, and Phoenix (as you correctly point out) have done it the correct way.  I think that is because they are organizationally on the same page.  The Bulls frustrate the Hell out of me when draft day comes because they always seem to take the "safe" pick.  The guy that fits into their current roster.  The guy from the winning college program (all their #1 picks, except for Snell last year, have been in the Sweet 16 since Paxson took over in 2003).  But, those guys also help make the team better and become assets because their strengths are highlighted, increasing their value.  Also, when you do make mistakes as an NBA GM (which everyone does), you have to turn those mistakes into something of value.  Once again, I know the Bulls the best so I rely on using them as an example, Tyrus Thomas was traded to Charlotte for a future #1 and he isn’t even an NBA player anymore.  James Johnson was traded away and became (eventually) the picks for Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic.  The Pistons make mistakes and then compound those mistakes when they trade them away.  Ben Gordon is a great example.  They traded him to Charlotte and now they owe them a pick in the draft this year.  Just terrible team management by Joe Dumars.

[Scott42444Participant]

instincts and their intincts are terrible.  They also rolled the dice, Dion Waiters and Andrew Bynum are great examples, but that backfired immensely.  Some teams, like the Pacers, Golden State, and Phoenix (as you correctly point out) have done it the correct way.  I think that is because they are organizationally on the same page.  The Bulls frustrate the Hell out of me when draft day comes because they always seem to take the "safe" pick.  The guy that fits into their current roster.  The guy from the winning college program (all their #1 picks, except for Snell last year, have been in the Sweet 16 since Paxson took over in 2003).  But, those guys also help make the team better and become assets because their strengths are highlighted, increasing their value.  Also, when you do make mistakes as an NBA GM (which everyone does), you have to turn those mistakes into something of value.  Once again, I know the Bulls the best so I rely on using them as an example, Tyrus Thomas was traded to Charlotte for a future #1 and he isn’t even an NBA player anymore.  James Johnson was traded away and became (eventually) the picks for Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic.  The Pistons make mistakes and then compound those mistakes when they trade them away.  Ben Gordon is a great example.  They traded him to Charlotte and now they owe them a pick in the draft this year.  Just terrible team management by Joe Dumars.

[samosasParticipant]

 Running a front office is a very difficult thing.  The Pacers, Golden State and recent Phoenix have all done a great job of turning their luck around.  Detroit gave up three years into Knight’s career, now they suck again and are stuck with some giant contracts.  Sometimes you just got to roll the dice and trust your instincts, even if you do suck for a while (I’m looking at you, Cleveland).

[Jester87Participant]

I don’t like Brandon Jennings at all, but with all his flaws, he can at least play the pick and roll and has good court vision. His shooting selection is terrible, he can’t finish at the rim and he’s not interested in playing any defense, but at least he can somehow run an offense and if you have Andre Drummond in your team and you believe he’s going to be your franchise player, you definetely need someone able to run the pick and roll.

Knight is a good kid, a very good shooter, he’s athletic and he has a lot of things to like about his game, but his playmaking ability is at least average and he’s not great playing the pick and roll. He doesn’t have great court vision, awareness, anticipation, reads, whatever it is. In fact the Bucks have him playing off the ball a lot, with Ridnour or Walters as their main ball handler (and also the Greak freak runs a fair number of pick and rolls).

So while he’s showing improvements and Jennings is erratic as usual, I think he’s still a better fit in this team. Probably not the best option, but better than Knight (at least Knight playing full time PG). Picking MCW or Burke and pairing one of them with Knight could’ve been an interesting choice, especially with MCW (Burke-Knight would be too small of a backcourt). I still like KCP, but I think he’s in the wrong team, even when he was starting and playing good minutes he had one of the lowest USG% in the league, he couldn’t get the ball even when he was totally open. It doesn’t help the fact that his shot isn’t falling, but he plays competent defense (the only one on the perimeter for Detroit, if not the only one in their starting lineup) and he moves without the ball on offense (definitely the only one in their starting lineup).

[Jester87Participant]

I don’t like Brandon Jennings at all, but with all his flaws, he can at least play the pick and roll and has good court vision. His shooting selection is terrible, he can’t finish at the rim and he’s not interested in playing any defense, but at least he can somehow run an offense and if you have Andre Drummond in your team and you believe he’s going to be your franchise player, you definetely need someone able to run the pick and roll.

Knight is a good kid, a very good shooter, he’s athletic and he has a lot of things to like about his game, but his playmaking ability is at least average and he’s not great playing the pick and roll. He doesn’t have great court vision, awareness, anticipation, reads, whatever it is. In fact the Bucks have him playing off the ball a lot, with Ridnour or Walters as their main ball handler (and also the Greak freak runs a fair number of pick and rolls).

So while he’s showing improvements and Jennings is erratic as usual, I think he’s still a better fit in this team. Probably not the best option, but better than Knight (at least Knight playing full time PG). Picking MCW or Burke and pairing one of them with Knight could’ve been an interesting choice, especially with MCW (Burke-Knight would be too small of a backcourt). I still like KCP, but I think he’s in the wrong team, even when he was starting and playing good minutes he had one of the lowest USG% in the league, he couldn’t get the ball even when he was totally open. It doesn’t help the fact that his shot isn’t falling, but he plays competent defense (the only one on the perimeter for Detroit, if not the only one in their starting lineup) and he moves without the ball on offense (definitely the only one in their starting lineup).

[jaycee24Participant]

Jennings gets assists because hes the only capable ball handler Detroit has….he shows flashes of vision time to time but nothing to mail home about. Also not to sound like a hater but its not tough to rack up assists when your teammates are typically near the rim and need you to create their offense

[jaycee24Participant]

Jennings gets assists because hes the only capable ball handler Detroit has….he shows flashes of vision time to time but nothing to mail home about. Also not to sound like a hater but its not tough to rack up assists when your teammates are typically near the rim and need you to create their offense

[jaycee24Participant]

I mentioned a good while ago that I thought Knight was the answer for Detroit and I still think he would of been. He’s a bit outside the norm but he’s steadily improved since he’s came in the league. Joe for what ever reason must of felt like Jennings had some sort of potentially franchise changing abilities but I really see Jennings as a guy who is very limited due to his lack of size and inconsistent shot. Now you look at Knight; his shot has always been a big plus for him and will continue to improve, he’s gotten visibly stronger in just two years, he’s already a solid man defender and just needs to work on his team defense (although I think that’s a team issue in MIL) he’s gotten more explosive and has sharpened his handle. When you think Detroit could of bought low and signed him long term at a low price I think they missed out. As far as MCW I don’t think anyone thought much of him until he came in and tore it up right away. I don’t think MCW is as great as his statistics show although I think he’ll have a nice career. I don’t knock Joe for taking KCP as they needed a shooter and when you look at the fact that although he hasn’t shot like people expected you have to also take a coupe things into account. 1 he’s really the only player in the starting 5 that was expected to shoot 3’s and that can be a lot of pressure for a guy who is still 20. Also if you look at this years class not many rookies have shot all that well either from the 3 so it could be just first year jitters just needed time to adjust. Either way there’s no way I’ll ever forgive Joe for trading Knight I loved rooting for that dude he’s a real class act

[r377Participant]

 I also thought Knight would of developed if the Pistons had kept him.  He would of had Chauncy and Mo Cheeks as mentors. He would of also been alot cheaper than Jennings…..

[r377Participant]

 I also thought Knight would of developed if the Pistons had kept him.  He would of had Chauncy and Mo Cheeks as mentors. He would of also been alot cheaper than Jennings…..

[jaycee24Participant]

I mentioned a good while ago that I thought Knight was the answer for Detroit and I still think he would of been. He’s a bit outside the norm but he’s steadily improved since he’s came in the league. Joe for what ever reason must of felt like Jennings had some sort of potentially franchise changing abilities but I really see Jennings as a guy who is very limited due to his lack of size and inconsistent shot. Now you look at Knight; his shot has always been a big plus for him and will continue to improve, he’s gotten visibly stronger in just two years, he’s already a solid man defender and just needs to work on his team defense (although I think that’s a team issue in MIL) he’s gotten more explosive and has sharpened his handle. When you think Detroit could of bought low and signed him long term at a low price I think they missed out. As far as MCW I don’t think anyone thought much of him until he came in and tore it up right away. I don’t think MCW is as great as his statistics show although I think he’ll have a nice career. I don’t knock Joe for taking KCP as they needed a shooter and when you look at the fact that although he hasn’t shot like people expected you have to also take a coupe things into account. 1 he’s really the only player in the starting 5 that was expected to shoot 3’s and that can be a lot of pressure for a guy who is still 20. Also if you look at this years class not many rookies have shot all that well either from the 3 so it could be just first year jitters just needed time to adjust. Either way there’s no way I’ll ever forgive Joe for trading Knight I loved rooting for that dude he’s a real class act

[Sharp ShooterParticipant]

 Personally, I think  that Jennings is to a good job in detroit. Can he improve in certain areas? yes, but who can’t.  I believe that jennings can be more effcicient once he get some shooters around him.  Also pistons needs to pick up or draft a NBA ready defensive PG, to help with his defensive shortcomings. Is he answer at PG for the pistons now? yes. Future? No.  But he has a nice chemistry with Drummond, that  should result in them both being in a ASG….Eventually (not now).

As for Knight, I’m glad Knight is having a breakout season. The way he got dragged in the NBA off that overused video  DeAndre Jordan dunk, nice to see he redeemed himself. Knight can only get better. Personally, I still think that he is a SG off the bench for a contender at best, but he has a hell of a work ethic and if he continue to work on his PG abilities (playmaking, Floor general) he’s going to very good. Someone to keep an eye  within the next few seasons

 

 

[Sharp ShooterParticipant]

 Personally, I think  that Jennings is to a good job in detroit. Can he improve in certain areas? yes, but who can’t.  I believe that jennings can be more effcicient once he get some shooters around him.  Also pistons needs to pick up or draft a NBA ready defensive PG, to help with his defensive shortcomings. Is he answer at PG for the pistons now? yes. Future? No.  But he has a nice chemistry with Drummond, that  should result in them both being in a ASG….Eventually (not now).

As for Knight, I’m glad Knight is having a breakout season. The way he got dragged in the NBA off that overused video  DeAndre Jordan dunk, nice to see he redeemed himself. Knight can only get better. Personally, I still think that he is a SG off the bench for a contender at best, but he has a hell of a work ethic and if he continue to work on his PG abilities (playmaking, Floor general) he’s going to very good. Someone to keep an eye  within the next few seasons

 

 

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

both guys are playing pretty well this yr… brandon knight is a guy i will always root for… he got a bad rep last yr and im so realived as sharp shooter said above that hes having a breakout yr… the pistons problem isnt jennings.. josh smith is more of the culprit and of course joe dumars and their inablility to close out games… i mean jennings is averaging over 8 apg and he doesnt have many shooters around him.. still wouldve been nice to get burke or MCW in the draft… but jennings is doing fine 

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

both guys are playing pretty well this yr… brandon knight is a guy i will always root for… he got a bad rep last yr and im so realived as sharp shooter said above that hes having a breakout yr… the pistons problem isnt jennings.. josh smith is more of the culprit and of course joe dumars and their inablility to close out games… i mean jennings is averaging over 8 apg and he doesnt have many shooters around him.. still wouldve been nice to get burke or MCW in the draft… but jennings is doing fine 

[Author]

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