Monday, November 30, 2009

Pistons beat the Hawks

A huge win for the Piston nation. We finally got a win again since we beat the Atlanta Hawks last night 94-88. To me, this game is a perfect example of how much the NBA landscape has changed. In '09, whenever the Pistons beat the Conference Leading Atlanta Hawks, it's considered an upset, even if they play at the Palace. Four years ago that was way different. Chauncey, Rip, Tay and Big Ben dominated and we acquired Rasheed Wallace from the disastrous Hawks. Well, let's hope we'll get back soon.

A huge win though without Rip, Benny G. and Tay! Ben Wallace looked like a 25-year-old young gun grabbing 11(!!!!) offensive boards and 18 overall, chipping in 10 points. Jerebko logged in 42 minutes and contributed 10 points, 11 rebounds and a lot of hustle as always. J-Max got a start and had a good game. Still, two years ago I thought he could be a sure-shot starter for the Pistons, but he hasn't shown as much progress. Stuckey led all Pistons in +/- with +12 and Will Bynum was Bynumite of the bench again!
We only had major problems with Josh Smith, who hit 11-15 for 23 Points and 5 blocked shots. But this guy is just a freak of nature. I stil can't quite grasp the thought of Detroit being in the lottery though.
Charlie V out with a broken nose! Wilcox needs to step up now!!!

Playing the Bulls on Wednesday!
--------------------------------------------
The New Jersey Nets tying the record for most consecutive losses at the start of a Season

Honestly, I feel bad for the team. They are not that bad. As Chris Sheridan from Truehoop pointed out, three losses should've been victories. They just blew huge leads or got unlucky in the final seconds. It's really hard to lose 17 in a row, partially it's because of a tough schedule and other parts is just bad luck. In the NBA as it is constructed today, you can't lose that money games. Most of those records are held by unprofessionally trained teams who didn't stand a chance against stronger opponents or mediocre opponents. Those records usually tend to be very old like most consecutive wins or most points in a game. Some teams and players occasionally come close but they are still pretty far away like Kobe's 81 points are still 19 less than Wilt Chamberlaine's ALTHOUGH Kobe's 81 points are more impressive to me. Just like Houston's 22 game winning streak two season's ago was more impressive to me than the 28 consecutive wins the Lakers once had, because they were missing their best player for over half of those games.

I just don't see how they lost 17 games in a row. They have a good line-up, it's not a great one but I certainly wouldn't think it's a lot worse than the Knicks, or the Wolves or New Orleans without Chris Paul. Devin Harris is one of the better Point Guards in the league and he's been back for a few games now, Courtney Lee is a good and young player and Brook Lopez is evolving to one of the best Centers in the league.

I just think, if they can get one superstar next summer, they will be a serious contender, they have everything in place. A line-up of Harris, Wade, Hassel, Boone and Lopez with Lee off the bench or at the three, that's a good starting five.

I absolutely love how the handled the situation with Lawrence Frank. Owner Rod Thorn did it with a lot of respect for the coach and let him go before the record could be fully attached to his name. It was a very nice thing to do and it showed humanity you rarely see in this world anymore. Frank is going to be a terrific head coach elsewhere, I always thought he did a great job for the Nets and he'll just have to do it elsewhere. I wish him all the best!
--------------------------------
Is there anyone challenging the Lakers

I mean, seriously? The Celtics are getting older, the Spurs are getting older and playing inconsitent, the Cavs aren't consistent, besides, what are they going to do with a healthy frontline from the Lakers. They just don't have the talent there, and the superstar spot is as equal as it gets plus the Lakers have Artest to guard Lebron so Kobe can go to work on offense. The Magic are a better match-up but don't have the talent. The only team I can see beating them are the Nuggets right now, but that'd be really tough too. The Artest acquisition just changes everything since Kobe can rest a little bit more on defense and doesn't have to guard guys like Anthony or Lebron on every possession.

The Lakers have a big four, that is pretty much impossible to stop if they are clicking. The frontline is just too skilled to be stopped, they are gonna defend their title, unless injuries strike them or Bynum goes down yet again. But with a healthy Bynum and Artest and my man Shannon Brown of the bench, the Lakers are a lot better than last June already and will only get better when Artest has become fully accustomed to his role on the team. The Lakers are building a dynasty, I'm not sure that money people are aware of it ....

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Another heartbreaking loss for the Pistons, that makes it six in a row.

But I'm not mad or disappointed! Show me one team in the NBA who can lose their 3 best players and still have a winning record. What would be the Lakers without Kobe, Pau and Bynum? What would the Spurs be without Duncan, Parker and Manu? What would the Celtics be without ... well, I bet you get my point.

I know there's a real possibility Detroit won't ame the playoffs if Ben, Rip and Tay don't return soon, which is really unfair to Kuester and the other guys who give their all every night, but at least it's better than what the Nets go through!

We can just hope for the best Piston Nation!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Kobe Bryant

Alright, first of all, sorry for not posting lately, but I've had the flu and was on vacation!
Watch this!



When I watch this video, I'm thinking: Isn't it time to seriously start the discussion whether Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan is the best of all time. Because honestly, the case gets better and better for Kobe. Say, if he wins one more championship, which appears likely, he'll have one less than Jordan, but in a stronger NBA. You can make the case that he won 3 of the rings with Shaq and wouldn't have won them without Shaq, but it's also fair to say that Shaq wouldn't have won two of the three without Kobe.
Kobe will probably be at least the third best scorer of all time, if not the second best. Him scoring that many points is more impressive to me than Jordan, because the defense nowadays is a lot more educated than back then, plus the zone defense makes it harder to score as an individual. Jordan was a terrific basketball player but if you look at these two, Kobe already has a lot to offer and i have no doubt that Kobe has at least 4 +20ppg seasons left in which he can accomplish a lot more. Bynum and Gasol will not get worse so everything is set up for Kobe to be the Great Player.

My point is, look at the video. It's a ten minute highlight reel and every play you think WOW! Kobe needs more MVP Trophies, but to be straight, he's not gonna get them. He's not well liked by the media, people like Wade, Paul and James better, and they are great players and more likable. Probably that's why Kobe won't ever be called the best player, he's the Black Mamba, who likes snakes?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Raja Bell out for the season?

Raja Bell is having wrist surgery: If that's right, the Warriors just made the worst trade of the past decade. They not only had a better offer from a different team but they also took on an injured player and they knew about his condition. I mean come on! Are you trying to wreck this Franchise?

Pistons dropped two straight on a tough back-to-back against the Lakers and the Blazers on the road. We aren't that kind of team yet, but we are still without our two best veterans (I don't wanna say players because Stuckey, Bynum, Gordon, Jerebko and Daye are doing a hell of a job!). The Pistons are going to make the playoffs and make some noise while there. Let's see what happens!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Brandon Jennings 55 points

Ok, I know it's a little late, but here's my take on it. It's impressive, yeah, everybody knows it.

But I wanna look at his European history! Look, this kid played in Italy for a year. I'm European, I know what European basketball is like. I've played in the states for a year, things are different. Practices in Europe are different, the coaches are different. I'm not saying all things are better, but I think European basketball is purer, the way basketball is supposed to be played. Players with raw skills don't get an opportunity in Europe. I remember my club used to play in the 3rd German league and we had a Center around 7'4"! He didn't play much because he changed the game too much offensively. He didn't have any moves so he was more of an distraction to the team concept. European basketball is simply not made for stars and athletes, about ball movement and Zone Defense. You won't see as many dunks, but if you enjoy watching disciplined basketball Europe is the right place.

So Jennings arrives in Europe. He's a baller, supremely talented but he comes to a team that doesn't want 19-year-old superstar, they want a contributor. SO he had to sit and learning and sometimes for players who are used to playing, it's not bad to just sit down and watch. They gotta be willing to learn though. You learn the game, you appreciate it from a whole other level. Sitting on a bench isn't necessarily a bad thing, if you use it to your advantage and you get out to play at some point. You see stuff, the players on the court can't realize. It's just the way it works. Also Jennings got an underdog mentality through all this, he wants to earn his playing time, he doesn't go to practice acting like a star, he goes there with the right attitude. He's always been a gym rat, but I really do believe Europe can do wonders for American High School Players.

Europeans are way more into details, technique, dribbling, shooting on all positions. American coaches are more about athletes. So combine these two philosophies and you have a great all around talent who will perform extraordinarily well.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Dallas 95-90 Detroit

Ok, Detroit lost for the first time after the three games. But let's just look at the positive side of thhings: The Pistons played the West's third best team without Rip and Tay AND Ben Gordon having an off off night. I mean, he couldn't buy a single bucket. He was 1-16 from the field. Have you ever tried to be one of 1-16 from the field??? It's almost impossible to do! I think the coaching staff was discussing if Ben should stay on the bench to keep the drinks cool! Still, I like that Coach Kuester stayed with Ben and wants him to keep taking last second Shots. But honestly, it can't get any worse than that for the Pistons so if this was an off night, I'm looking forward to the rest of the season! Great work so far Coach K!

Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey combined for 55 points on 23-36 shooting, Bynum led the the in +/- with +7! You know, Bynum should be in serious conversation for the Sixth Man and Most Improved Player Award. And just for fun the NBA should have an award called "The Most Improbable Way to Become an NBA Player Award". Look at this kid, undrafted and listed at a charming 5-11! Who would've thought he'd turn out to be Bynumite???

Friday, November 13, 2009

D-Wade ends Clown Shoes Career



Dwyane is one of my favorite players in the league. He's a cool guy and plays a brand of basketball I absolutely adore, reckless and bigger-than-life.

I love the dunk for two reasons:
1. It's ridiculous
2. It's over Anderson "Clown Shoes" Varejao, I don't like the guy. Piston fans will remember his flopping in the Conference Finals a few years ago. He'd flop the hell out of people and get under your skin. I see that he's improved but still, I'll never like him.

It's gonna be on NBA Dunks of the Year! That's for sure!

Bynumite explosion against Charlotte!

Well, let's start off with the obvious!



Lil' Will the Thrill is a freak of nature! He's got hopz for sure! He can jump out of the building. You know what I'd like for the Slam Dunk Contest this year? Shannon Brown, Will Bynum, Lebron and, well, any other apparently, maybe another Power Dunker! Would be fun to watch for sure. Check out my man from MSU, Shannon Brown, he's gonna have a good career!

Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press: "'Will is one of those guys that's like a freak of nature,' said Gordon, who scored 22 points. 'When he gets a lane to the basket, he's liable to end up on 'SportsCenter.' ' That was the case as both dunks made the ESPN show's nightly top 10 list of plays. In the second quarter, Bynum drove past a defender and dunked on 7-footer Tyson Chandler. Then later in the game, Bynum blocked a shot, kept running down court and took the outlet pass to streak in for the breakaway one-handed slam. In both instances, the players on the Pistons' bench leaped from their seats."

So long!!

Welcome to the Bynumite Blog

Hey Basketball and Detroit Piston Fans,

I've finally started my blog! I wanted to do that for a long time but never really had either the time or the courage. Also I never really had a name!

To introduce myself: My name is Jakob Eich, I live in Hamburg, Germany, I study English and wanna get into sports journalism some day! I've been a huge basketball fan since I'm 10 years old and I really enjoy playing myself!

Thanks to Nathalie Sitto from www.need4sheed.com, I found a name that fits my standards. Will Bynum is my favorite Piston right now and I think her "Bynumite" expression is just perfect! If Nathalie reads this, you got all rights to the name, I just love it!!! I don't want anybody to think I came up with that idea!

So, I'll update the Blog every now and then if something happens in the world of basketball. I don't know if I'll be able to post every day, but I'll try. I'll cover other things from the NBA too, but the Pistons will be my main focus.

I hope I'll be able to share my love for basketball with all of y'all! I'm really passionate about it!

Take care and check my future posts out!