Pistons News

"The Pistons re-signed forward Walter Herrmann, who was acquired last December in a midseason trade that sent Nazr Mohammed to the Bobcats. "Walter is a player with tremendous work ethic and showed last year that he's a player that can contribute to this team," Pistons president Joe Dumars said. Herrmann, a 6-foot-9, 229-pounder, played in 28 games with Detroit last season, averaging three points and 1.3 rebounds in 7.1 minutes."

"The Pistons won't have long to wait this season for their first shot at the NBA champions. On Nov. 9, the Pistons will host the Boston Celtics in the team's third home game. The 2008-09 schedule was released Wednesday, and a rematch between the Eastern Conference finalists is one of the highlights. The Pistons will open the season Oct. 29 at the Palace, against the Indiana Pacers. Other highlights of the home schedule include another meeting against the Celtics (Jan. 30), two clashes with LeBron James and the Cavaliers (Nov. 19 and Feb. 1), and a date with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers (March 26). Pistons fans also can catch a glimpse of budding superstar Chris Paul when the New Orleans ..."

"Neither the fans nor the Pistons will have to wait long for a rematch with the world champion Boston Celtics. The Pistons will host the Celtics in the sixth game of the season, Sunday, Nov. 9. That's just one of several plusses on the 2008-2009 schedule released by the NBA on Wednesday. There are only 16 sets of back-to-back games, the fewest since the 2000-2001 season. The Pistons will also be home with no games scheduled for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Thanksgiving, in fact, is surrounded by a four-game home stand, the longest of the season. Advertisement The Pistons only holiday action will be on New Year's Eve, a 3 p.m. game at The Palace against New Jersey. The ..."

"The Pistons won't have long to wait this season for their first shot at the NBA champions. On Nov. 9, the Pistons will host the Boston Celtics in the team's third home game. The 2008-09 schedule was released today and a rematch between the Eastern Conference finalists was one of the highlights. The Pistons will open the season at the Palace against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 29. Other highlights of the home schedule include another meeting against the Celtics (Jan. 30), two clashes with LeBron James and the Cavaliers (Nov. 19 and Feb. 1), and a date with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers (March 26). Pistons fans can also catch a glimpse of budding superstar Chris Paul when the New Orleans ..."

"Former No. 1 overall pick Kwame Brown has been called many things during his seven NBA seasons, such as "bust" and "underachiever." But rarely has there been talk about his ability to defend. He's hoping to change that perception now that he's with the Detroit Pistons and is no longer in the Western Conference, where he played for the Los Angeles Lakers and later was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. "I feel like I can use my size, my defensive presence and my strength to my advantage a little better over here," the 6-foot-11, 270-pound center said in a conference call Tuesday. The addition of Brown, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract earlier this week, does provide Detroit ..."

"The NBA today released its complete game schedule and broadcast schedules of ABC, TNT, ESPN and NBA on ESPN Radio for the 2008-09 season. The NBA's Countdown to Tip-Off 08 presented by Kia Motors has begun with opening night 83 days away. The 2008-09 season tips off on TNT, which marks Turner Sports’ 25th season of NBA game action, with a doubleheader on Tuesday, Oct. 28, that features the Boston Celtics opening up defense of their NBA championship by hosting 2007-08 NBA scoring champion LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8 p.m. ET. The second game features the first regular season game for the top overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft presented by Sprite Greg Oden and the ..."

"Here's one thing you can count on regarding new Pistons center Kwame Brown. When he arrives at camp in October, he's going to be a lot lighter. We're not talking body weight. Brown will no longer be carrying around the oppressive weight of lofty expectation. For the first time since Michael Jordan made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2001, Brown isn't being asked to be the foundation of a rebuilding franchise, which he failed to be in Washington. He isn't being asked to fill the void left by a traded superstar, which he failed to do replacing Shaquille O'Neal in Los Angeles and Pau Gasol in Memphis. All the Pistons are asking Brown to do is defend and rebound, and those are the two things ..."

"New Pistons center Kwame Brown, who officially signed his two-year $8 million contract on Monday, spoke to the media for the first time via teleconference on Tuesday. Here are some snippets. On selecting the Pistons: "I am happy to be back in the East where I can use my size and defensive prowess more to my advantage than I could out West. I am excited by the way the team has embraced me. This is a class organization." What did Pistons see in him: "I can't speak for Mr. (Joe) Dumars, but I think they see what a lot of people don't see. This is a team that takes pride in defense and they put a premium on players who play hard at that end. I think I am one of the most underrated defensive ..."

"The Pistons today exercised their team options on the contracts of guards Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo, which keeps them in Detroit through the 2009-10 season. Both players will continue to grow and mature within our system and we look forward to the contributions they will bring to the season and beyond," Pistons president Joe Dumars said in a statement. Stuckey, 22, averaged 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 19 minutes per game last season as a rookie, but showed flashes of becoming a top-flight player. In two regular-season starts, he averaged 18 points and 4.5 assists. He was also one on the main contributors off the bench during the playoffs, averaging 8.2 points. ..."

"Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has signed free agent center Kwame Brown to a contract. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. “We are pleased to add Kwame Brown to our roster,” said Dumars. “Kwame is a player that gives us depth at the center position and we feel that he will have the opportunity to grow within our system.” Brown, 26, appeared in 38 games (15 starts) last season with the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies averaging 4.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.8 minutes per game. He was acquired by the Grizzlies on February 1 from the Lakers along with Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, ..."

"The Pistons agreed to a one-year deal with backup Walter Herrmann. The 6-foot-9 small forward was an unrestricted free agent. Salary information was not disclosed. The Pistons acquired Herrmann last season from the Charlotte Bobcats as part of the trade that shipped out center Nazr Mohammed. Herrmann, a 29-year-old Argentine, appeared in only 28 games for the Pistons, but the team likes his size, toughness and three-point ability. By Vince Ellis BASEBALL: The Toledo Mud Hens, second in the International League's West Division, will start selling individual tickets and five-game packages for the playoffs at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Tickets can be purchased at Fifth Third Field, by calling ..."

"The Pistons have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with backup Walter Herrmann. The 6-foot-9 small forward was an unrestricted free agent and salary information was not disclosed. The Pistons acquired Herrmann last season from the Charlotte Bobcats as part of the trade that shipped out center Nazr Mohammed. Herrmann, a 29-year-old Argentine, appeared in only 28 games for the Pistons, but the team likes his size, toughness and three-point ability. He averaged 7.1 minutes and 3.0 points per game for Detroit.."

"Pistons rookie Trent Plaisted, fresh off his stint in the summer league in Las Vegas, is looking forward to playing for Angelico Biella in Italy next season. And playing a lot. So they're into their basketball," Plaisted told the Daily Herald in Provo, Utah. "I guess I don't know for sure, but the plan right now is that I will play a lot." The Brigham Young product will work out with the Pistons for two weeks in August before leaving for Europe on Aug. 24. As for his newly-signed deal with the Pistons: "I'm not breaking the bank," he said "But it's a good contract.""

"Geez, they'll put anything on TV in the summer. Like ABC's "Wanna Bet," which is basically celebrities wagering on stupid human tricks. So it's not just an exhibition, like it is on Letterman. Who comes up with this stuff? Tim Donaghy? Anyway, we watched Monday night's episode, just because the celebrities -- playing for charity -- were "Dancing with the Stars" host Tom Bergeron, actors Corbin Bernsen and Melissa Peterman and ... the Pistons' Rip Hamilton. So how'd Rip do? He lost his $25,000 stake in the first three rounds, so he wasn't even allowed to bet on the final trick, not even when he offered to buy in with $100 of his own money. Hamilton started out OK when he bet $10,000 the ..."

"The Pistons are about to sign former No. 1 overall pick Kwame Brown, and I think a lot of fans are scratching their heads on this one. Some are scratching as hard as they possibly can in an attempt to remove their brains. They don't particularly care for Brown. Ah, who am I kidding? They hate him and everything he represents. They think he was handed NBA millions before he earned them, that he copped an attitude when things didn't go his way, that his talent was overrated when he went No. 1 overall, and that he set the Wizards and the Lakers back with his mere presence. That's largely true. But you have to look at the other side of this, which is: So what? This is a smart, low-risk move ..."

"Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the team has signed free agent guard Will Bynum to a contract. Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed. “We are pleased to add Will Bynum to our roster,” said Dumars. “Will played well for us during summer league and we think he possesses skills that can help our team and provide depth at the guard position.” Bynum averaged 11.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists with Detroit at the 2008 NBA Las Vegas Summer League. The Chicago native played last season for Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Israeli League where he averaged 10.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. The 6-foot, 185-pound ..."

"Geez, they'll put anything on TV in the summer.

Like ABC's "Wanna Bet," which is basically celebrities wagering on stupid human tricks. So it's not just an exhibition, like it is on Letterman. Who comes up with this stuff? Tim Donaghy? Anyway, we watched Monday night's episode, just because the celebrities -- playing for charity -- were "Dancing with the Stars" host Tom Bergeron, actors Corbin Bernsen and Melissa Peterman and ... the Pistons' Rip Hamilton. So how'd Rip do? He lost his $25,000 stake in the first three rounds, so he wasn't even allowed to bet on the final trick, not even when he offered to buy in with $100 of his own money. Hamilton started out OK when he bet $10,000 the ..."

"The Detroit Pistons have had plenty of success in the past turning former lottery busts into productive players. Only time will tell if soon-to-be Piston Kwame Brown will follow suit. Brown, the top overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft, has agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with the Pistons. The actual contract is expected to be signed as early as Tuesday, with an official announcement likely sometime later this week. By adding the 26-year-old center, Detroit now has 13 players with guaranteed contracts heading into the 2008-2009 season. And Brown, like many former lottery picks before him, will come to Detroit looking to jumpstart a career that hasn't gone according to plan. "He's ..."

"With unrestricted free-agent power forward Kwame Brown agreeing to terms with the Pistons, it would appear that point guard Chauncey Billups will have his wish granted. No, he didn't ask for an athletic big man with unfulfilled potential. But the move likely signals that the blockbuster trade that fans have been waiting for since Pistons president Joe Dumars said the only untouchable on the team was combo guard Rodney Stuckey will not happen. And Billups -- the subject of a lot of that trade speculation -- indicated Monday that he believes the core group should remain intact for another run at an NBA title to go along with the one earned in 2004. "It's tough ... for me to say that I think ..."

"The Pistons are banking on their history after agreeing to terms with the enigma known as Kwame Brown, the No. 1 pick in the 2001 NBA draft. Brown's agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed Monday that the Pistons had OK'd a deal, which had not been signed yet. The two-year deal is for $4 million per season with a player option for a second year, meaning the 6-foot-11 power forward can opt out of the deal after one season. "He is a tremendous talent, and we think this can be a kind of a rebirth for his career," Bartelstein said. "He's very excited about this." The courtship has been in the works for a couple of weeks, and the move would appear to mean that no other major signings are in the ..."

"Its no secret the Detroit Pistons are among the teams watching the Josh Smith drama in Atlanta unfold with a lot of interest. But according to a league official, a published report in Atlanta that made reference to an Eastern Conference team having a sign-and-trade offer on the table for Smith, is not Detroit. In fact, it has been more than three weeks since the two teams talked. Still, multiple league sources confirmed Sunday night that despite no sign-and-trade offer on the table between the two teams, Detroit remains very interested in the 22-year-old restricted free agent. With free agency nearly a month old, Smith remains the most talented player still available. Smiths coming ..."

"A team source confirmed the Pistons did approach the Atlanta Hawks weeks ago about a possible sign-and-trade deal involving restricted free agent small forward Josh Smith, but said Sunday that the two teams haven't talked in weeks. The source indicated the Hawks were asking for too much, and both sides walked away from any possible deal. A blog on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Web site said that a "Western Conference power and Eastern Conference big dog" have offered deals. There has been speculation for several weeks that the Pistons would be interested in acquiring someone of Smith's caliber. Smith, 22, averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots in his fourth season in ..."

"Pistons president Joe Dumars was happy with what he saw over the past nine days in Las Vegas, where his team participated in the NBA Summer League. "The summer league provides us an opportunity to get a better feel for our young guys and we were pleased with what we saw," Dumars said on Tuesday. "We have a nucleus of young players that we like, and our goal is to continue to prepare those guys to become as good as they can be.""

"The Pistons have agreed to two-year contracts with free agent Will Bynum and second-round draft pick Walter Sharpe, representatives for the players said Tuesday. Mark Bartelstein, Bynum's agent, said he expects the point guard to sign today. Bartelstein added that the deal gives Bynum about $700,000 guaranteed the first year, before a second-year team option. "He has great quickness, can really put the ball on the floor and is a big-time athlete," Bartelstein said."

"Will Bynum walked away from lucrative offers overseas for a shot at making the Detroit Pistons squad as their No. 3 point guard. Bynum's gamble has paid off now that he has agreed to a multi-year deal with Detroit. "It's pretty much a done deal now," Bynum said. Bynum's agent, Mark Bartlestein, confirmed Monday night that his client has agreed to a two-year deal with Detroit, which includes a team option for the second season. "He's very excited about it," Bartlestein said. Bynum, whose previous NBA experience consisted of 15 games with the Golden State Warriors during the 2005-2006 season, said he got the offer from Pistons coach Michael Curry on Sunday night."

"At least it seems everybody can agree on this: Tracy McGrady is happy. Whether the Houston Rockets will trade him to, say, the Pistons, is another matter. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith stirred that pot Tuesday when he said McGrady wouldn't mind coming to Detroit and joining Team Dumars. Said Smith: "Is Tracy McGrady interested? Yes, he is. I spoke to Tracy McGrady earlier. His basic thing is he's very happy in Houston, but he wants to win. So whatever is a winning situation for him is something he is more than willing to entertain.""

"NBA summer leagues are a proving ground for young players trying to crack the rotation. Play well and management can't wait to get a player to training camp to see what he can do against veterans. Play not so well and the thinking is the kid can use more seasoning at the end of the bench. The former is the case with the Pistons' Amir Johnson, who is entering his fourth NBA season. After three games in the Las Vegas summer league, it appears the 6-foot-9 forward with long arms and great athleticism might finally earn significant minutes in the fall after showing energy and a strong willingness to play defense."

"Despite his injuries and advancing age -- Ratliff will be 36 before the end of next season -- I believe he is the type of player who could help the Jazz. In his first 12 seasons, Ratliff averaged one blocked shot for every 10 minutes he was on the floor. For a comparison, ex-Jazz center Mark Eaton had one block every eight minutes, so you can see Ratliff's ability to impact a game with his defense. I'm guessing Jazz vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor, who I know has always been fan, has talked to Ratliff's agent since July 1. That said, don't expect Ratliff to end up in Utah. From everything I can gather, he is preparing to re-sign with the Pistons."

"Trent Plaisted was one of two second-round picks by Detroit last month -- Deron Washington was the other -- that the Pistons anticipated would play overseas for a season or two. It's too soon to tell whether that plan might change for the 21-year-old, who has been one of Detroit's most consistent players thus far in summer league. After Detroit's first two summer league games -- both Pistons wins -- Plaisted averaged six points and 4.5 rebounds."

"Point guard Ramon Sessions scored 21 points and rookie forward Joe Alexander added 11 in the Milwaukee Bucks' 73-59 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday in an NBA Summer League game. Alexander, who had struggled to 2-for-13 shooting effort in the Bucks' summer league opener on Saturday, started the second half with a driving dunk to give Milwaukee a 34-30 lead. He hit five of nine shots and added three rebounds, two assists and one block."

"Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey re-injured his toe during Sunday's summer league game against the Clippers, according to NBA.com. Stuckey scored eight points before sitting out most of the second half with the injury. The injury stems from a misstep during Saturday's practice, according to Keith Langlois of the Pistons' official blog."

"Will Bynum thought someone was playing a joke on him, one that he didn't think was the least bit funny. A text message was left on his cell phone ... from Joe Dumars. "Joe Dumars, a Hall of Famer, was calling me? I couldn't believe it," Bynum said. It was an unexpected call, one that might put the NBA career of this Chicago playground legend back on track. Bynum is vying not only to impress the Pistons this summer, but earn a roster spot as the team's No. 3 point guard."

"Back when U.S. Olympic basketball rolled out a Dream Team with every roster -- back when a collection of the NBAâ??s top stars was good enough to bring home gold -- there was no room for a prince in waiting. Only the leagueâ??s kings made those teams. But after three straight failures to capture gold in international competitions, USA Basketball has retooled its strategy -- and Tayshaun Prince has been one of the biggest beneficiaries."

"A team source indicated today that the Pistons are not “remotely” close to a deal for Houston Rockets superstar Tracy McGrady. Metronews.ca, which is based in Toronto, said in an Internet report — but cited no sources — that the Pistons are "making a big push for McGrady." The Pistons source downplayed the report, saying the Rockets are just one of many teams to whom the club has spoken about potential trades."

"While his fan base rants and raves, while some of his competitors pull off minor coups and others dish out oversized contracts to underwhelming talent, Joe Dumars waits. He has poked around. He has made some offers. He has explored some possible deals. But mostly he has stepped back from the fray. He knows when to hold them."

"The players who'll take the floor tonight in the Pistons' first summer-league game of the season at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas will have different agendas. Guards Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo and big man Amir Johnson will try to be dominant and build on the promise they have already demonstrated during regular-season games with the Pistons."

"With an eye toward bolstering the team's depth along the perimeter, the Pistons have been in contact with several free-agent swingmen around the league -- including a former player, Carlos Delfino. The NBA's free-agency signing period begins today, but the Pistons will not be in the market for big names, such as power forward Elton Brand. Instead, the team is looking for depth behind small forward Tayshaun Prince or shooting guard Rip Hamilton."

"Here's the situation the Pistons are in today, the first day teams can sign free agents: They want to use the free-agent market to buy a back-up wing player, but they aren't looking for a long-term purchase. Ideally, they want a veteran player on a two-year deal using a portion of the mid-level exception (expected to be about $5.8 million). What president Joe Dumars doesn't want to do is commit more than two years or more than half the mid-level to a reserve player."

"The Detroit Pistons got a few more phone calls than usual from agents looking to land one of their clients on Detroit's summer league team that will compete in Las Vegas later this week. That's because unlike past years when the Pistons' most recent draft picks were the main attraction, this summer league team has something to offer those others lacked -- available roster spots. "It's definitely an opportunity for free agents to come in and play well and make an impression on our coaches and basketball staff, and maybe have an opportunity to make the ball club," said Scott Perry, Detroit's vice president of basketball operations."

"The Pistons have been in contact with several free-agent swingmen around the league, and one name is particularly interesting. Former Piston Carlos Delfino is among the free agents the team is considering signing. Tomorrow is the first day NBA free agents can sign contracts, although they can agree to deals earlier. Delfino, a 6-foot-6 forward from Argentina, averaged nine points per game in 82 games for the Toronto Raptors last season, his fourth year in the NBA."

"When the clock strikes midnight tonight on the East Coast, free agents will be able to officially sign their names on contracts with NBA teams. Whether or not that means someone in Utah - or headed this way - will hit the jackpot remains to be seen. The Utah Jazz are keeping mum on whether or not they'll receive a John Hancock - or a different players' signature - on the opening day of the free-agent signing period for the 2008-09 season. The Jazz have tendered at least one offer to their only free agent - a qualifying offer believed to be in the neighborhood of $1.18 million to swingman C.J. Miles, who is hoping to land with a team that will offer him more playing time than he's ..."

"Nobody should be overwrought about not hearing the Pistons mentioned in connection with some of the top-tier free agents. President Joe Dumars has made it clear the preferred tool for any roster changing this summer will be trades. To that end, he needs to keep his roster and payroll as flexible as possible. Already, there are 10 players with guaranteed contracts for next season, plus second-round pick Walter Sharpe, restricted free agent Walter Herrmann and free agents Lindsey Hunter and Theo Ratliff, both of whom are expected to be re-signed. As it stands, the Pistons could be some $10 million below the luxury tax threshold, giving them ample maneuverability. They ..."

"New Pistons coach Michael Curry will get his feet wet as he'll sit in the head chair for the team's summer league for five games in Las Vegas from July 11-18. Rodney Stuckey, Aaron Afflalo, Amir Johnson and Cheikh Samb are the only players on the summer league team that played for the PIstons last season. The team roster also features new draftees Walter Sharpe, Deron Washinton and Trent Plaisted."

"The Pistons don't lure stars because they've discouraged them. That attitude must change. The acknowledgment that they're openly courting opposing teams' stars in trade discussions this summer is a wink toward the summer of 2010, when several franchise players become available through unrestricted free agency. It could become the most talented free agency class ever in professional sports in that there will be five players -- LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson -- with already one NBA championship, two NBA Finals, four U.S. Olympic team invitations and 16 All-Star appearances among them and not one of them will be older than 30 in 2010."

"As summer league teams go, the Pistons are going to be pretty stacked. Their probable starting lineup will include Rodney Stuckey, Arron Afflalo, Amir Johnson, Cheikh Samb and the 32nd overall pick in the draft, small forward Walter Sharpe. Coming off the bench will be shooting guard Alex Acker, a 2005 draft pick of the Pistons who has been a standout overseas the last two seasons, point guard Will Bynum, who played 15 games with Golden State in 2005-2006, and the Pistons' two other second round draft picks, center Trent Plaisted from Brigham Young and swingman Deron Washington from Virginia Tech."

"But if you're the Pistons, seeking bold, decisive personnel changes, it's basically a waste of time. The Pistons don't lure stars because they've discouraged them. That attitude must change. The acknowledgment that they're openly courting opposing teams' stars in trade discussions this summer is a wink toward the summer of 2010, when several franchise players become available through unrestricted free agency. It could become the most talented free agency class ever in professional sports in that there will be five players -- LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson -- with already one NBA championship, two NBA Finals, four U.S. Olympic team invitations ..."

"Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey has been named to ateam that will scrimmage the U.S. Olympic basketball team July 21-24 in Las Vegas, according to the Boston Globe. The team will feature several up-and-coming NBA players. The projected roster includes Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson, Hawks forward Al Horford, Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, Sixers forward Andre Iguodala, Sonics forwards Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, Kings guard Kevin Martin, and Bulls rookie guard Derrick Rose, who was recently taken first overall in the 2008 NBA Draft."

"Tuesday marks the start of free-agent season. That's the day free agents are officially free to negotiate with other teams. They can begin signing with new teams July 9. The Pistons have their mid-level (roughly $6 million) and veterans ($2 million) exceptions available, but it's doubtful they will use all of it. Two reasons for that: This isn't a bumper crop for free agents, and their first priority is to see what they can do trade-wise. Also, though the Pistons are safely under the luxury tax threshold right now, they do plan on giving Jason Maxiell a contract extension this summer. Depending on what other roster changes get made, that would put them very close to the tax line."

"When the No. 29 pick came in Thursday's NBA draft and Alabama-Birmingham forward Walter Sharpe saw the PistonsIndiana forward D.J. White, his heart sank. Of the eight teams for which he'd worked out, he felt most at home -- a connection, he said -- during two days with the Pistons. "Basically, in the postworkout meeting, I had a really good meeting with Joe Dumars," Sharpe said. "I liked him as a person. And Mike Curry is a good coach, and I think I'd be a good fit in his system. I'd hoped to be a part of that team.""