COMMENTARY| As a nearly-lifelong follower of the Detroit Pistons (to varying degrees) and the Michigan State Spartans, I've closely monitored anything that might suggest that former Spartans star Draymond Green could be picked up the Pistons.
Green, a former back-to-back state champion at Saginaw High, has the intangibles NBA clubs look for. He's a born leader -- a vocal one, too. He's relentless, powerful and doesn't settle. His overall game took leaps and bounds during his four years in East Lansing.
A trade scenario, a move up to a pick in the 20s of the 2012 NBA Draft, could secure Green, a Naismith Award finalist and winner of Big Ten Player of the Year honors. The Pistons have the ninth overall pick, one which won't be dealt. However, Detroit has the 39th pick, which could be used as leverage in a deal.
That deal, however, would have to be made with the Indiana Pacers, who reached the 2012 Eastern Conference semis against the eventual league champion Miami Heat. According to the latest mock draft that I've seen, the Pacers could use their 26th overall pick on Green, a four-year player for Spartans coach Tom Izzo who has increased his value during the offseason leading up to Thursday's draft.
There are other mocks that suggest that the Heat could take Green, who was loosely compared to Shane Battier and Udonis Haslem by Izzo. Both Battier and Haslem used blue-collar work ethic in helping Miami grab the 2012 title. Green's work ethic is similar to both Battier and Haslem's. I can definitely see the similarities.
While I would like to see Green with the Pistons -- he's a throwback to the Bad Boys-type of play -- he'd fit in well with either Miami or Indiana. The Heat have superstars in LeBron James and Dwyane Wade who could teach Green the ropes. Indiana is a team on the rise, so seeing Green go to a franchise with potential would certainly be great.
However, I'm not losing all hope that the Pistons somehow make a deal for Green, who has close ties to Pistons Joe Dumars. Green played AAU basketball with and against Dumars' son. Dumars is aware of Green's hustle and determination.
Deal for Day-Day...
Austin Daye would be an obvious choice to deal. He doesn't seem to fit with what the Pistons want to do or where they're going. Although Daye has shown glimpses of improvement, he's not a guy that can help Detroit move forward. I would package Daye, along the 39th overall pick, possibly adding in Kyle Singler and some cash, to move up to 26th.
Will Bynum would also be a player that Detroit could deal in order to obtain Green, should it want the former Spartans star that badly.
Here's a look at the Pistons' salary situation.
Adam Biggers has followed the NBA for over 20 years, specifically the Detroit Pistons. He can be found on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.
No comments:
Post a Comment