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Monday, November 20, 2000
Dr. Jack: A big event for the Pistons
By Dr. Jack Ramsay
Special to ESPN.com
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| Smith |
Signing Joe Smith is a big event for Detroit. As soon as
he can get himself physically ready to play, he can
certainly have an impact on the Pistons. For the most
part, the Pistons have been starting Billy Owens, Ben
Wallace and Eric Montross in the frontcourt. When Smith
is ready, I would expect them to start three forwards --
Owens, Smith and Ben Wallace and bring Montross off the
bench. Then, they still have Jerome Williams, John
Wallace and Mikki Moore in reserve.
Smith's addition expands their roster and makes them a
pretty deep team. Chucky Atkins has played well, and
Jerry Stackhouse has stepped up his game. And then
they get varying contributions from other players like
Williams, who is always an energy force. For Detroit, this
is a major addition.
Smith doesn't have one great strength. He's not a great
post-up player. He's not a great perimeter shooter. He's
not a great rebounder. But he's a little of everything. He
gives the Pistons depth and versatilty, and coach George
Irvine can plug him in almost anywhere in the front
court.
The Pistons have kind of held the fort this season. They
haven't dropped into oblivion as some people expected
after they lost Grant Hill in the offseason. The Pistons
have been hanging tough and playing pretty well. Smith
may be the jolt they need to give them a shot at a
playoff spot. And in the Eastern Conference, the playoffs
are totally up for grabs. The 76ers are the only team
with a sizeable margin over .500.
Of course, the report that Smith was headed back to
Minnesota turned out to be false. The T-Wolves were
hopeful of getting him back, but I think there would have
been problems had he decided to go to Minnesota.
Commissioner David Stern seemed determined to keep
that from happening.
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ALSO SEE
Smith saga ends with Pistons winning
May: League made sure Smith left town
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