What's up with the Macrame nets?

While looking through some photos I ran across this picture of the Spain vs. China game. What's going on with the macrame tasseled basketball nets? Is that all the rage in Spain?

What's next? Is it this?

Alex Acker signs a deal to play in Greece.

Pistons guard Alex Acker has agreed to a one-year contract to play in Greece next season. He will replace another former NBA player, Tyus Edney, on the Olympiakos team. Acker will be paid one million Euros (about $1.27 million U.S.). He would have made $664,000 with the Pistons and again spent the bulk of the season in the developmental league. The Pistons still retain rights to Acker and could bring him back for the 2007-08 season. Via The Detoit News

This is really the best thing for Acker. He obviously wasn't going to get any time with the Pistons next season especially with the signing of Will Blalock. I am sure he will start in Greece and get the playing time and experience he needs if he's ever going to crack an NBA roster. It's a win-win situation. The Pistons retain his rights for the 2007 season and Acker gets playing time and a whole bunch of cash.

Rasheed Wallace Pitchman

This is Sheed pitching the website New York.com. This one is new to me, Sheed looked more comfortable when he met President Bush. I get the hat with the logo, it looks fine on Sheed but it just doesn't work with that suite Leland, but I guess he's a Hat Man. Any Sheed is good Sheed, gotta love him!

Adam Morrison gets a haircut and shaves the moustache.

We wish he would "Just do it!" Unfortunately This is the real Morrison.

Thanks for putting a smile on my face MJD.

The Mighty MJD has a classic post for those of us who like to poke fun at Alonzo Mourning.
A Letter From Alonzo Mourning's Teddy Bear

Alex Acker has been offered a one-year deal worth $1 million to play in Greece next season.

Acker, who flew to Athens to see the city and living conditions before signing the deal with Olympiakos, knows his role with the Pistons this season would be limited.
The Pistons gave newly signed guard Flip Murray jersey No. 6, which Acker wore last year.
The Pistons made a qualifying offer to Acker that would pay him $664,000 for 2006-07, which Acker most likely would spend mostly in the development league.
The Pistons would still retain rights to Acker should he sign with Olympiakos. Via The Detroit News

Spend an Afternoon with Chauncey Billups and Friends

You can shoot hoops with Sheed for charity at the Children's Center Celebrity Golf Classic After Party. Tickets are still available and all proceeds go to charity. If you want to interact with your favorite Detroit sports stars you better get your tickets now. I am sure it will be Sheedtastic.

The Children's Center Celebrity Golf Classic: An Afternoon with Chauncey Billups and Friends is a sold-out success, but you can still be a part of the fun. Limited amount of tickets for the Motown themed Stars Under the Stars after golf party are still available for $150.00.

Following the golf classic, taking place Monday, July 31, join golfers and celebrities including Chauncey Billups, Pistons coach Flip Saunders, Pistons alumni Vinnie Johnson and Allan Huston, Pistons PA announcer Mason and Lions Alumni Barry Sanders at the prestigious Birmingham Country Club for Stars Under the Stars. Also, shoot free throws with Rasheed Wallace and see the 2004 NBA and 2003 WNBA championship trophies at the Detroit Pistons and Shock Year Round Hoops Truck, a mobile, interactive basketball experience.

Detroit Piston Chauncey Billups has generated tremendous excitement by generously volunteering his time to serve as celebrity host again this year. Chauncey, along with past and present players from Detroit sports teams, sports media and coaches, will tee off together for an exciting day of golf.

All proceeds from the golf classic will benefit The Children's Center, a non-profit organization established in 1929 by U.S. Senator James Couzens as one of the nation's first child guidance clinics.

To purchase tickets for Stars Under the Stars, call 313-262-0960 or visit www.thechildrenscenter.com.

Will Blalock is in, does this mean Acker is out?

The Pistons signed second round pick Will Blalock to a multi-year deal, the exact terms were not disclosed. Joe Dumars was very happy with Blalock's summer league performance in which he averaged 5.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 21.8 minutes.

So with the signing of Blalock, what does this mean for Alex Acker? Acker in my opinion had a better showing in the Vegas summer league. Acker was one of the Vegas league leaders averaging 18.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals a game. His best game was against the Suns when he scored 29 points with 6 rebounds. When the Pistons sent Acker down to the D league mid season he flourished, averaging 17.9 point and 4.8 rebounds in 35 minutes. Those are some pretty good numbers for Acker who already has a year in the league behind him.

I don't know what will become of Acker but I hope we just don't let him go. Maybe the Pistons want to develop Blalock who is a true point guard, rather than Acker who seems to be more comfortable playing the 2 position. I would like to see Acker get a shot, he knows that his chances are slim and he's playing like he has nothing to lose. He is giving it everything he has every minute he's out there and that is the kind of player that fits well with the Pistons organization.

One thing that doesn't look good for Acker is that the Pistons gave Flip Murray #6, the same number worn by Acker last season.

Rasheed Wallace vs. Donovan McNabb Celebrity Softball Classic

"Two of Philly's biggest community supporters, Philadelphia Eagles' star Donovan McNabb and Detroit star Rasheed Wallace in association with Hardwork Entertainment present the "4th Annual Donovan McNabb/Rasheed Wallace Celebrity Softball Classic". Poised to be the premiere end of the Summer event, the "McNabb/Wallace Softball Classic" at the 6,540-seat Campbell Field in Camden, New Jersey."

So for any Sheed fans that will be in the New Jersey area Saturday August 26th, be sure to check it out. It's for charity and you get to see Sheed, what more could you ask for. For more information go to www.wallacemcnabbsoftball.com.

Carnival Of The NBA #33

The new edition of The Carnival Of The NBA is up at Celtics Blog. This is a special "Larry Bird"dating edition, so go check it out.

Delfino is at it again.

According to this link via HoopsHype.com Delfino wants out of Detroit, but the Pistons won't let him go. Again it's in Spanish, so if there is anyone out there that can translate this for us better than Babel Fish let me know.

Apparently he feels like a prisoner.

Need4Sheed reader Matt Gibson pointed out this article on MLive that says the Pistons don't believe the Spanish article, and when they talk to Delfino themselves he has a totally different attitude.

Rasheed replaces Ben in the Palace Locker Room Store.

They switched Wallace's on the front page of the Palace Locker Room Store from Ben to Sheed. I don't know if they used Sheed because they had the perfect picture to photoshop him in there or if he's going to be a permanent fixture in the store. My guess is they will probably chance it up every now and then.

Check the store out, they have some pretty good deals for the summer, they are even giving 15% off your total purchase. If anyone is still interested, they are trying to get rid of some Ben Wallace jerseys for 20 bucks.

The Detroit Pistons, old school and the new.

Here is another classic YouTube find. This one is a little of the old school Bad Boys along with the new, and a little of Joe Dumars's philosophy on how he puts a team together.

Bill Walton has a deficiency, and maybe Luke does too.

Now Bill Walton the human is one thing, but now the geniuses at ESPN have created Bill the cartoon. ESPN has been running commercials with Bill in them about "Sports Video Deficiency," with the remedy being ESPN's new internet video service, ESPN 360. I recorded one of the commercials for you just in case you didn't catch it.

ESPN 360 Bill Walton Commercial
Right click and save or click to watch.

I think I prefer the cartoon Bill over the real life nonsensical comment spouting, Grateful Dead following, human Bill Walton any day. The cartoon character Bill follows a script so we don't have to endure any of his ridiculous comments such as these gems.

• "Mick Jagger is in better shape than far too many NBA players. It's up in the air whether the same can be said of Keith Richards."
• "Yao Ming is the best thing to happen to the NBA in a long time. He is just a beautiful person inside and out. The vision, the creativity, the gentleness of spirit...he has it all."
• "Greg Ostertag is one of the top centers on this planet!"
• On Larry Johnson's lackluster performance in the NBA Finals: "What a pathetic performance by this sad human being. This is a disgrace to the game of basketball and to the NBA. He played like a disgrace tonight. And he deserved it."
• "You look at Vladimir Radmanovic, this guy is cut from stone. As if Michelangelo was reading and a lightening bolt flashed before him."
• "You look at his body, Dwyane Wade, it's as if Michelangelo sculpted it in a dream, he's just so cut, and his posture, the rack upstairs with those shoulders, so broad."
• "Tracy McGrady is doing things we have never seen from anybody - from any planet!"
• "Why even have a rulebook?"
• Dick Enburg - "A lot of people think Michigan is just Detroit, but when you get up north there's some really beautiful land." Bill Walton - "What, is it just, like, a desert up there?"
• During a Piston - Spurs game that had just begun, the score was 8-4 and Tony Parker had scored all of the Spurs 8 points. Bill screamed, "Detroit's in deep trouble, Tony Parker has outscored this whole Pistons team."
• Any quote with, "the history of Western Civilization," in it and there are many.

Poppa Bill aside, I was a little worried about Luke Walton after I saw this picture. What's up with the hat Luke? And why do you feel the need to wear the key to your car around your neck? Is that the cool LA thing to do? Do you think the ladies will dig you because of your fancy car and your hip aviator sunglasses? Richard can pull of the hat, but the look is just not working for you Luke. Throw it out big man! Throw it out!

Luke seems like a good guy, for his sake I hope the only thing he inherits from his father is his basketball skills.

Killer Crossover's Giving Stuff Away

Killer Crossover Podcast will be giving away two shirts a week from Classic Headlines for the next four weeks. All people have to do is tune in to their Podcast and listen for the buzz word, email them at killercrossover@360thepitch.com with the buzz word and their address and they will be entered in the weekly draw for a free shirt.

Not only do you get to listen to a top notch podcast but you could win a free shirt. Sounds good to me!

Bill Laimbeer: The Old School Way

Pistons fans loved him and everyone else hated him. Bill wouldn't have had it any other way. In the old NBA when you were actually allowed to play physical basketball, nobody did it better than Bill. Check out this great Bill Laimbeer video, thanks to magic of YouTube. The video is great, but I am a little curious about the song selection, either way enjoy.

Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson can throw it down.

Highlights from the Clippers - Pistons Summer League game. Check out Maxiell's dunks, I think he's going to shatter the backboard one of these days. Talk about throwing it down with authority.

Sign And Trade For Delfino?

A. Sherrod Blakely hints of a sign and trade deal involving Delfino now that the Pistons have Dupree.

There's speculation that Dupree may give the Pistons another athletic player off the bench in case they deal Delfino in a sign-and-trade package. Atlanta's Al Harrington, one of the top free agents still available, is a player the Pistons might pursue. Via MLive.com

Joe Dumars has made plenty of deals this past week, I wouldn't put anything past him. I am still wondering why nothing has been said about Delfino's comments about wanting out of Detroit. Maybe nothing will be said until he's out of here. Time will tell.

Even Slam Thinks Rasheed Is Sheedtastic

Today as I was searching through my favorite links I stumbled upon something that made me smile. As most of you know I coined the word Sheedtastic, I even made a cartoon and T-Shirt out of it. I have noticed the cartoon pop up on websites here and there but today when I saw this on SLAMOnline.com, I just chuckled. I guess there is a fellow Sheedologist on the staff at SLAMOnline.com.

Super Dupe Is Back

Detroit signs former Piston Ronald Dupree to a two year deal.

Ronald Dupree agreed to a two-year contract with the Detroit Pistons on Monday, adding depth to one of his former teams.The small forward averaged 2.2 points and 7.4 minutes for the Minnesota Timberwolves last year.Detroit traded Dupree to the Timberwolves just before the 2005 season for a second-round pick to clear a roster spot for rookie guard Alex Acker.Dupree averaged 3.2 points in 47 games two years ago for the Pistons after signing a two-year contract with the team.The 6-foot-7 forward scored 6.2 points in 19 minutes per game as a rookie with Chicago in the 2003-04 season after almost making Detroit's team as an undrafted free agent. He played in 47 games, starting eight, for the Bulls. Via SI

Flip Murray Has A Fan Club, Well Kind Of.

I admit I don't know much about The Pistons new acquisition Ronald "Flip" Murray, other than he was traded at the deadline to the Cavaliers to help fill the gap left by the injured Larry Hughes. He did a good job during the regular season for the Cavs but didn't really show up for the Playoffs. That's the extent of knowledge that I have about him, he spent 3 years in Seattle so there weren't too many games that I caught him on the court.
While searching the internet for some information on Flip, I found something disturbing. Some Seattle fans had an extreme dislike towards Flip, so much that they dedicated a whole website on him called, Trade Flip Murray.com. They even started a petition to get him traded, though few people signed it, Sonics fans got their wish and he was indeed traded to the Cavs at the end of the 2005-2006 season. This is their beef with Flip:

Most Sonics' fans will agree, he's got to go. Being an avid Sonics' fan I have a chance to watch Flip night in and night out and see the negative impact he has on the team, and the frustration he causes Sonics' fans. How many times have you seen Flip dribble down the court and launch a shot with about 16 or 17 seconds left on the shot clock, not passing the ball once? How many times have you seen Flip put on a dribbling display, only to dribble the ball off his foot or leg or get the ball picked by the defender resulting in a turn over? (This isn't AND 1 Flip, you're not going against The Professor!) How many times have you seen Flip clank wide open 15 or 17 footers? Don't even mention his defense.

Now I am going to give Flip the benefit of the doubt, he sure didn't seem to play like that when he was with the Cavs, but it's still something to look out for. I feel for Sonics fans, I felt the same way about Carlos Arroyo when he was with the Pistons. I understand that Arroyo tried to do his "thing" during the few minutes he got on the court but he always seemed to frustrate me when watching him play, especially when he would dribble the shot clock down to nothing. Right now I'm jumping on the Flip bandwagon, I believe the Pistons got a good player for a great price and I hope he, along with Nazr Mohammed have something to prove to their doubters.

Flip Murray Is Signing With The Pistons

A person within the Detroit Pistons organization confirmed Friday that the team will introduce Flip Murray, a guard, alongside Ben Wallace's stand-in, center Nazr Mohammed, at a press conference early next week.

Terms of the deal could not be confirmed, but it is almost certain Murray will accept the team's bi-annual exception, a $1.75-million salary slot for teams over the league's salary cap to spend every second year on the free agent market.

Getting Murray at that price would be something of a steal. Murray (6-foot-3, 197 pounds) can play both backcourt positions and has been a spot starter throughout his four seasons. Via The Detroit Free Press

Two Flip's on one team has got to be some kind of record. I hope this Flip doesn't flop.

Jason Maxiell Thunder DUNK

Highlights of Pistons vs. Suns in the Vegas Summer League. Check out Maxiell!

By the way, Bad Boy Summer Camp are in Vegas at the games, so head on over there.

Delfino Wants To Be Traded.....Again

I got this link via HoopsHype, it's in Spanish but he basically says he doesn't want to ride the bench for another year.

I don't blame the guy but I thought Joe Dumars was after Flip to put him in the rotation this season.

The Wizard Of NaZ

It will become official today, when the NBA's moratorium on free agency ends and the Pistons sign Nazr Mohammed to deal with their mid level exception. Exact details will be announced but it's most likely that Detroit pays Nazr 5.2 million dollars a year, a drop in the bucket compared to what Chicago is spending on Ben Wallace.

Let' s not compare the two players, that's just not fair, to Ben or Nazr. Ben is gone and the Pistons now have to look to the future. Nazr brings more than you think to the team. Last year he averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds in just 17.4 minutes per game. Nazr who will likely have to answer questions all season long about being Ben Wallace's replacement, needs to put up numbers right from the start to win the hearts of hardnosed Pistons fans.

Instead of talking about what Mohammed doesn't bring to the team, let's talk about what he does. He has a nice 12 foot jumper, he great on the offensive boards, and he can make his free throws. Some say his production fell off the last couple of years because of his relationship with Gregg Popovich, and because he played alongside Tim Duncan. I hope he has something to prove this season and puts up career numbers. Playing regularly with Chauncey, Rip, Tayshaun and Rasheed will sure help.

Mohammed gets his drive from his father, Tahiru, who kept a tight rein on his son. Mohammed lost his father in 2000. He was murdered in Chicago, where Mohammed grew up. His father was 55. "My father was a strong man, with a strong will, I thought he would outlive me." Said Narz after his death.

Mohammed often talks about his father, and what he did for him when he was younger, how he instilled discipline in him, taught him Islam, and the focus it requires to fast every fall during Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims abstain from food and water during daylight.

The period begins in the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and often falls during training camp and exhibition games. At times, fasting lasted right up to the beginning of the regular season. Because of this, his play some years has been sluggish the first few weeks of the season. But he comes on as he regains his strength. Via The Detroit Free Press

I think it will take some time for Pistons fans to open their hearts to Nazr. Let's not forget that Ben Wallace was the face of the Pistons for many years, something fans aren't likely to forget that quick. I myself am excited to see what he brings to the team.

I can hear Mason right now, 6-10 from Kentucky, Naziiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Mooooooooohaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmed!

This is Rip's City

A couple of weeks ago I happened to look through the newly redesigned RipCity32.com, which is Richard Hamilton's Official Website. When I was there I found a great five minute flick about Rip and his crew, called My Boyz. I then got in touch with RipCity32.com to tell them who I was and that I wanted to show the video on Need4Sheed.com for all Rip's fans to see. They gave me the go ahead so here it is.

The video is a glimpse into the life of Rip and his lifelong friends that have been around him as long as he can remember. To Rip, friendship is everything and this fun little movie shows it. All the people I know that have met Rip say he's a very cool and personable guy. My nephews have met Rip and his Boyz on a few occasions and can't say enough nice things about all of them. Take a few minutes and get to know the real Rip and check out Rip's Official Website, RipCity32.com.

You can download the video right here or you can go to RipCity32.com in the media section.

Thanks Rip!

My Boyz - Video

Right click and save or click to watch. Video courtesy of RipCity32.com and Richard Hamilton.

The Carnival Of The NBA # 32

For those of you not familiar with the Carnival of The NBA, The Carnival takes the Best of NBA Blogging and puts it right at your fingertips so it's just a click away. Grab some cotton candy and a corn dog and let's get to the festivities.

J.E. Skeets of The Basketball Jones, who does the almighty Basketball Jones Podcast, was invited by Jamie and Chris form AOL Sports Bloggers Live to attend the NBA draft in NYC. Skeets's plans didn't start off great when his first flight to New York was cancelled. But once he got there his cab driver gave him some insightful draft thoughts. And he even met a fan and got to talking about how the draft unfolded. Even though Skeets missed the pre draft party, he sure had a good time snapping pictures and watching Stephen A. Smith eat snacks.

Jamie and the crew of AOL Sports Bloggers Live were busy at the draft snapping pictures and getting some great interviews with a tipsy Chris Webber, Chris Paul, Rodney Carney, and Rudy Gay. They also got the Wizards first round draft pick Oleksiy Pecherov to talk about getting drafted and what kind of NBA player he thinks he will be. They also have an interview Brian Windhorst of the Akron Journal about LeBron's contract news and other goings on in the NBA. Mr. Irrelevant has been keeping himself very busy.

The Godfather of all Basketball Blogs Henry Abbott from True Hoop takes an in depth look at every significant player from J.J. Redick to Leon Powe in this years Draft, with the help of some well know Basketball Bloggers. This time Henry and friends put ESPN and all the experts to shame.

With all the rumors of Allen Iverson being on the block, CelticsBlog.com asks At What Cost? They also think that with all the moves that GM John Paxson is making he is Outdoing Danny Ainge. And Like 99% of the population on earth they think that Adam Morrison needs to explore a new look so they have some Advice for Adam.

Sactown Royalty likes the Kings draft pick Quincy Douby but what's most important is they think Douby jerseys are going to be a hot commodity. After a long wait, we see what the Kings have to offer Bonzi Wells.

Celtics 17 is not a huge fan of Allen Iverson mainly because of his me first attitude, but now with the buzz of him going to the Celtics he wonders if he is The Answer Or The Cancer? And if you didn't know Justin does a great Podcast with Ryan from HoopsAddict.com called Killer Crossover.

The Cavalier, as always has his signature style of Basketball Blogging over at YaYSports.com. He could use a donation or 2 or 3 so he can get his awesome Who Shot Mamba? movie finished. If your smart you will buy your Who Shot Mamba T-Shirt before the movie is a hit and he starts charging 50 bucks for them. My sources tell me that a teaser of the movie is coming soon.

Farlane's NBA Comix give us LeBron's Reasons for signing his contract extension with the Cavs. There's a good time to be had when it comes to Farlane's Comix.

HoopsAddict.com has some Draft Notes, but as a Raptors fan he's not on the Bargnani Bandwagon just yet. They also compare Bargnani to Joakim Noah.

Detroit Bad Boys talks about the loss of Ben Wallace, but assures Pistons fans that everything will be alright in the D.

While Detroit fans weren't happy with Ben Wallace's departure Blog-A-Bull tells us that Wallace Isn't the Right Move, Just The Best One for the Bulls.

SlamOnline has a new look, so make sure you check out Slam and don't forget about the links. I reported earlier that Slam changed locations, but I have been corrected, that was just Slam's temporary home. It's just SlamOnline.com always was and always will be, sorry for the confusion.

End Of The Bench gives us One Reason To Love Ron Artest. I don't know if it can compete with my favorite reason, which was his short lived job at Circuit City, but it's a pretty good one.

With a little over a week into the NBA Free Agent negotiation period, The Association takes a look at Player Movement.

Golden State Of Mind is looking ahead to the 2007 Draft and desperately wants 7 foot and still growing Chinese Basketball Association star Yi Jian Lian. They are also betting on Al Harrington being a Warrior in the very near future.

The Mighty MJD agrees that the Pistons we have come to know are no more, but it's not because of the departure of Ben Wallace. He also talks a little Eddie Griffin and starts Podcasting.

Maverick Moneyball was caught off guard with the Marquis Daniels for Austin Croshere trade as The Marquis Era Ends, they take look at the impact the trade has on the Mavericks salary cap.

The City looks at The Warriors impending trade that will send Derek Fisher to the Jazz for Devin Brown. They also have first hand coverage of Warriors Summer League Games.

The Sportsbiz takes a look at the awful situation that the Atlanta Hawks are in. Things are so bad with ownership, the courts got involved. It doesn't look good for Hawks fans, if there are still any left.

Give Me The Rock thinks Isiah might have the last laugh when it comes to Renaldo Balkman. They also give you their first installment of their Fantasy Basketball Team Previews with The Miami Heat.

FreeDarko.com tells us what Ben Wallace's loss does to the Pistons team, and how Marquis Daniels and J.R. Smith have new roles on their new teams.

Deadspin lets us know about a man who is suing Michael Jordan and Nike becuase he looks like is Airness.

Bobcat Bonfire is happy with the Adam Morrison pick because they like his game and they know he's going to put bodies in the seats, but don't know much about their 50^th pick Ryan Hollins.

SonicsCentral.com ask the question many loyal Sonics fans are thinking about their team, Do they owe us more?

RaptorsHQ.com gives us their 3 a.m. Post Draft impressions from Bargnani to Balkman and they have some Final Words on the Charlie Villanueva trade.

Forum Blue & Gold is excited about the Lakers pick up of Radmanovic, they think Vlad is Rad.

Cavalier Attitude thinks LeBron certainly Got His Wish with all the drama surrounding his contract extension, but their really happy He's Staying.

PistonsForum.com has started a blog just to keep track of the Pistons Summer league called Bad Boys Summer Camp.

Motoring is not happy about Ben Wallace's departure and feels like a kid again, like the way he felt when Barry Sanders stopped playing football.

Show Time is happy the Lakers got their shooter, but what about the Point?

Passion and Pride thinks the Sixers draft pick Carney is another Iguodala.

Basketbawful takes a look at the comparison between Larry Bird and Dirk Nowitzki and wonders if the only comparison that holds water is that they are both White and Blonde. They even go so far as to hold a NBA Live 2006 1 on 1 tournament between Bird and Nowitzki to see who comes out ahead.

Raptors Den asks the question, "Did Bryan Colangelo draft Andrea Bargnani for the Toronto Raptors or did he choose the Toronto Raptors for Andrea Bargnani?"

Impending Firestorm thinks the signing of point guard Speedy Claxton makes the Hawks look like a Playoff team.

Wizznutzz have their very own Keith Van Horn and they tell us how he's bonding with Agent 0.

Jones On The NBA has a funny story about his friend Farmar.

5 Point Bucks will miss point guard T.J. Ford for his play but most of all they will miss the financial considerations.

KnickerBlogger has their own in-depth thoughts on the Knicks draft picks Renaldo Balkman and Mardy Collins.

Supersonicsoul is trying to make up their mind about the worth of Chris Wilcox and locking him in for four to five years.

While many people are praising the Blazers moves in the draft, The Inferno thinks they made a mess of it.

Raptorblog wonders if the Raptors paid too steep a price for T.J. Ford.

The new Bucks logo makes the Bucks Diary want to drink some Egg Nogg.

That's all for this Sheedtastic version of The Carnival Of The NBA #32, it's been a blast.

Did Ben Had An Axe To Grind?

Rob Parker of The Detroit News Reports:

My moles are telling me that the Pistons never had an opportunity to do a sign-and-trade with Ben Wallace.
As good as it sounds, the rumors out of Chicago are wrong. The Pistons didn't have any deals on the table with the Knicks or 76ers.The talk was they did, but Wallace, the free-agent center, KO'd any chance for a deal, insisting on taking the four-year, $60-million deal from the Bulls.If that was the case, it certainly would have looked as if Wallace had an ax to grind with the Pistons. For sure, the Pistons would have been interested in making a deal. After all, no team wants to lose a star and get nothing in return.But, why would Wallace nix a deal that potentially could have gotten him even more money? A sign-and-trade deal is usually good for all parties involved.
Pistons have set their sights on free-agent shooting guard Ronald "Flip" Murray. Murray, 26, averaged 11.2 points in 76 games with the Sonics and Cavaliers. Many in Cleveland liked the way Murray filled in for Larry Hughes when he was injured. Murray can create his own shot and hit key outside jumpers. Via The Detroit News

Ben Wallace Was Quite Frankly Not Happy With The Teams Direction: Video

Ben Wallace tells Stephen A. Smith he didn't like the teams new offensive direction.

Ben Wallace on Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith - Video

Right click and save or click to watch. Video courtesy of ESPN

Ben Wallace Talks: Video

Ben Wallace Inverview - Fox News Detroit

Ben Wallave Interview - Channel 4 Detroit

Right click and save or click to watch. Videos courtesy of Channel 4 and Fox Detroit

Good Times, Ain't we Lucky We Got' em

The bell tolls no more at the Palace, Ba Ba Ba Ben Wallace is no longer a Piston and many fans don't know how to take the news. As for me, I knew this was coming for a while now. During the last part of the season you could just tell that Ben just wasn't having fun out there. He was doing and saying things that were very uncharacteristic. He refused to go back into a game that the Pistons eventually lost. He actually came out and expressed his anger at his teammates for always having to play catch-up, and most of all he was very unhappy with the Pistons offensive direction.

When he hired Super Agent Arn Tellem, it was just a matter of time. The Pistons offered him 48 million dollars over four years and Ben was disappointed. They then upped the deal to 51.8 million and he was even more offended. So he took the Bulls offer of 60 million over 4 years. It was the best contract of his career, how could he turn it down? You would have done it and so would I. Basketball is a business, sometimes your heart gets in the way and sometimes it doesn't. Ben obviously had something else going on besides just the money, he has had a Shaq sized chip on his shoulder for a while now and if 8.2 million dollars helps him get rid of it, then good for him.

I am not bitter, I just think that his taking the offer from the Bulls put the Pistons in a tight position. In my head I was ready to start the 2006 season without Ben, but I thought a sign and trade deal was in the team's future. With no sign and trade, the Pistons signed center Nazr Mohammed to a 5 year 30 million dollar contract that left the Pistons virtually crippled to sign any other free agents on the market due to cap restrictions.

Sure this is not the Pistons team that we have all grown to love. Of course Nazr is no Ben Wallace, but this is how professional basketball is played, on and off the court. I can see the light at the end of this tunnel. Carlos Delfino is going to see some serious court time, get his confidence up and show Flip that he, instead of Evans was the go to guy. Jason Maxiell is about to see what the NBA is really all about and I think he's ready. Amir Johnson might even get a chance to play some minutes and show us what he can do. I am looking toward the future and right now it looks bright.

Good luck to Ben, he did what he had to do and he gave us some pretty good times here in Detroit. The Pistons gave him his identity and in exchange he gave us six hard working years, four trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and an NBA Championship. I will continue to cheer Ben along the way as long as it doesn't interfere with my Pistons. No hard feelings Ben, I will just remember the Good Times....

I am still a fan of Ben Wallace, but first and foremost I am a Detroit Pistons Fan, a diehard Pistons fan for life, who has seen many players come and go and have learned that you stick by the team and not the player.

Pistons Replace Wallace With Nazr Mohammed

Free agent center Nazr Mohammed of the Spurs has agreed to a five-year, $30 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher is reporting.

Mohammed

Terms were unavailable. Mohammed replaces Ben Wallace, who told the team Monday that he was leaving to join the Chicago Bulls.

Wallace, who agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal with Chicago, helped Detroit advance to four straight conference finals -- the first team to do so since the Bulls of the early 1990s.

Mohammed started 30 games last season for the Spurs, averaging 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. The 6-foot-10, 250-pound center most likely will replace Wallace in the starting lineup, allowing Rasheed Wallace to remain a power forward.

Mohammed, who turns 29 on Sept. 5, probably will not be able to rebound, block shots and provide energy as Ben Wallace did -- but he will cost about $9 million less next season. Via ESPN

Pistons Make An Offer To Joel Przybilla

"At 9 p.m. Portland time, 7.1 Center Joel Przybilla will have a tele-conference with his agent, Bill Duffy, regarding an offer from the Detroit Pistons. This comes after former Detroit center Ben Wallace agreed in principle to a free agent contract with the Chicago Bulls. The Pistons immediately made contact with Duffy regarding Przybilla, and apparently Przybilla will strongly consider the offer from the Pistons. Reached at about 8 p.m. Portland time, Duffy said he expects Przybilla to make his decision by Tuesday morning after spending a night mulling." Via OregonLive

Bye Bye Ben: Wallace To Sign With Bulls

A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Wallace will sign as a free agent with the Chicago Bulls, ESPN.com reported Monday night.

According to the report, Wallace will sign a four-year, $52 million deal to leave the Detroit Pistons for the Bulls. The Chicago Tribune reported Monday that the Pistons offered Wallace a four-year, $48 million deal.

"It was disappointing," Wallace told the newspaper of the Pistons' offer. "It was not at all what I expected."

A deal can't become official until July 12, when the salary cap is set for the 2006-07 season and exact contract values can be computed. Via SI.com

The Detroit Free Press says the Bulls offer was close to 60 Million.

Before I go into the subject at length I thought I would leave this post up for you to comment on. How do Pistons fans feel about Ben's decision? Let me know in the comments section.

Wallace Not Happy With Pistons Offer

The Detroit News is reporting that Ben Wallace is dissapointed with the Pistons offer.

The Pistons' negotiations to re-sign free agent Ben Wallace have gotten off to a rough start.

Wallace, in an interview with The Detroit News on Sunday, said he wasn't pleased with the Pistons' initial offer.

"It was disappointing," he said. "It was not at all what I expected."

The Pistons' initial offer was a four-year deal starting at $11.5 million and would pay him $49.6 million over four years. It would make Wallace the highest-paid player on the team next season, eclipsing Rasheed Wallace's salary by $100,000.

Pistons president Joe Dumars, reached by e-mail, said he didn't want to negotiate through the newspaper and declined comment. Via The Detroit News

Pistons Offer Ben Wallace 48 Million, Bulls Offer More

Ben Wallace News:

The Pistons have offered a four-year deal worth approximately $48 million to keep their defensive-minded center in Detroit. And the Chicago Bulls, who sent coach Scott Skiles and vice president of basketball John Paxson to Detroit, have started bidding at closer to $52 million for four seasons.
Wallace is an unrestricted free agent and can verbally agree to a deal at any time, but he can't sign a contract until July 12 at the earliest.
Only four teams - Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte and Toronto - have the salary cap space to target Wallace without arranging a sign-and-trade. Of those, only Chicago has shown real interest to this point.
Any team can try to acquire Wallace through a sign-and-trade, and the Philadelphia 76ers' Web site reported Saturday that the team called his agent, Arn Tellem.
The Pistons, meanwhile, also have placed calls to William Phillips, the Detroit-based agent who represents Sacramento shooting guard Bonzi Wells. Although Wallace is the team's primary concern, Wells also is high on Detroit's summer shopping list.
Via The Detroit Free Press

Here is an interview Joe Dumars did about Ben with FSN right before the July 1st deadline.

Joe Dumars Talks About The Ben Wallace Deal - Video

Right Click and Save or click to watch. Video courtesy of FSN Detroit.

Lindsey Hunter Says He's Coming Back

Lindsey Hunter told the South Mississippi Sun Herald that he expected to return to the Pistons next season. Hunter, an unrestricted free-agent guard, had said at the end of the season that he would consider retiring this summer. "It depends on how I feel," said Hunter, 35. "Right now, I feel good. More than likely, I will come back for another season."

Via The Detroit Free Press