Darko just did not want to work. Amir is different, however lets hope he gets more of a role than the new HVC or White Towell as we have had a few more bloweouts the other way this season.
We know exactly how many minutes Darko got and when. Let's see if the kid will sit through the CWebb/DaleD/Dyess era? Hopefully Orlando won't snatch him for Battie or worst.
The Pistons can and will pay this kid the most money. Our frontline is old. Opportunities abound. No need to be a paranoid. I think Joe is a lot smarter after the Darko-era and will find ways to handle this better.
Just read the article on Amir on pistons.com and all I can say is........PLAY HIM!!!!!! He deserves a shot to fail. We lack foot speed, energy and athleticism in the starting lineup and he has all these things. It seems as if he has literally done everything asked of him, give him some spot mins, who knows he just may succeed, but at least give him a shot at failure.
I would even give AJ minutes at the expense of taking a seat back this season. I don't believe that would be the case if the kid play.
I keep going back to Joe's comment on the possibility of Amir playing this season... he directly said "Yes, the season is still young"... I would read this to mean that there will be a move to clear room for him... that's why I won't be concerned until after the deadline passes. I think we can now say that the league woke up on this kids potential... no sense trying to keep his value down. Just recently read that there is a contingency in Dices's contract that he will be signed through 2009 (if he plays 60 games prior season) and Joe said he won't be trading him this year. The other options to clear room for Amir is... A) Move Sheed or Brahma B) Play Sheed less minutes. C) Play Sheed more at the 5 D) Play Amir at SF
Adding to that. Or e) play McDyess and Webber less f) play JMAX at small forward. g) keep Davis out of the rotation until a bit closer to the playoffs, although this time, really do start using him as the playoffs approach. h) Drastically reduce Sheed's minutes for the moment, giving his ankle / knees plenty of time to heal. i) Just play the guy. It does not have to be a lot. It does not have to be every game. Just play the guy. If you take 30 seconds per game away from Tay, Sheed, Dyess, Webber, on average, that equates to a 6 minute stint for Amir every third game.
It really is that simple. No reason why he should not be getting 5 MPG. Not like he is likely to hurt the team out there.
The funny thing is this, Amir just wants to play, he doesn't care how much. Darko in no way whatsoever could be effective in 5-6 mpg because like many players he needs to play is way into the scheme in order to be effective. I believe Amir would glady come in and play his heart out for 2 mins per half and probably produce an energy play or 2 that would help this team win ball games. In the beginning of the season Amir said his goal was to play 100 mins this season. With 30+ games left I see no reason why he shouldn't get a shot at 3mpg to get his 100mins.
HoopsHype - NBA D-League Diary the writer is a player for the Skyforce. He mentions Amir briefly and talks about being in Sioux Falls and the D-league.
I really wish the kid could get some time with the Pistons,especially with the new Rasheed ankle injury.
The report said it's his foot...not the ankle. I don't know if that's good news or bad news. I concur on PT for Amir. The Piston's must already know the severity of Sheed's injury and don't think it's a big deal...why else would they send Amir down now?
Amir led all scorers tonight in a win against the Fort Worth Flyers, with 32 points (13 for 15, 6 for 8 from the line), 13 boards, 5 blocks, 3 assists, 4 turnovers and 4 fouls, in 36 minutes. Will Blalock shot 2 for 9 for only 6 points in 18 minutes, but he did have 7 assists and 4 boards. boxscore
No matter the caliber of the competition...that's a pretty impressive outing. Young as he is...Amir is proving his stuff in becoming the cream-of-the-crop in the D-league. Amir is no longer a secret. Joe's gonna have to pry the checkbook from BillD's fingers this summer.
