Betrayer

That image is so freaky looking.

The defense in the second half of this game was amazing. Without that, they're a poor half court team trying to outscore their opponent which will never work for this team. Get stops, get out and run. They held Orlando to 35 points in the half. That's nuts in 2026. Yes, I'm making another case for Ausar's minutes. He had 9 pts, 11 rebs, 3 assists, 5 stocks, and the third highest +/- of any Piston player. He did all that in just 21 minutes. Sure, he was in foul trouble for a bit in the first half, but he only finished with 3 fouls and there's no reason he shouldn't have still hit at least 25 minutes in this one while Caris gets 20 minutes.

Sounds like a good draft to move up 6 spots in. Hopefully that JI trade can yield something useful, or at least a more valuable trade chip.

Totally opposite for me. You can replace 90% of what Duren gives you as a rim running big for half the price he's going to get and probably get better defense in the exchange. Sure, Duren does some extra stuff, but that 10% isn't the truly important stuff like running the offense, spacing the floor, or locking down the paint. Most of what he gives you relies on someone else feeding him. On the other hand, Ausar is a top 1% athlete with defensive instincts and a high basketball IQ. That's rare. He completely bends the game (and the laws of physics) when he's in there and his on/off stats show it. The team is simply better on both ends of the court when he plays because he's a high level passer, cutter, and offensive rebounder who gives you easy buckets and extra possessions - and this team is entirely built on winning the possession game. Everyone's job gets easier when he's on the court. JD's only 22, so maybe he learns to shoot the three someday and the narrative changes. But then again, maybe Ausar gets to 33% someday as well. Both are about as likely, but for now I'm keeping Ausar in my core over Duren all day.

They really need to let the market dictate Duren's price. I don't think they will because "player relations", but they should. Signing Ausar to a friendly contract this summer would be huge. His numbers are just going to get better as his minutes increase (they better increase) and he improves. But more than likely he's going to make an NBA All Defensive team and I'm guessing he won't sign for cheap. I'd be happy with bringing Harris back as a backup PF. He's fallen off, but still a smart player, good in the locker room, and would be among the league's better bench players, imo. Depends on the cost though. Their needs: To me, it's 2-way players. You can't keep running out guys like Robinson hoping he's hot enough from three to make up him getting targeted on defense every time down the court. Unless Ron or Ausar magically learn to shoot, they've got to replace Robinson and Harris with 3-and-D forwards.

I have no idea who we could get, but you presented the exact problem I have with it: 2 max players is about all your going to get. In today's NBA would you want that second max player to be a Center who's mediocre on defense, can't shoot threes, and is mostly dependent on Cade to get his numbers? A simple rim runner like Daniel Gafford could give you much of what Duren gives you on offense while adding better defense for far less than the max. I want my second max guy to be able to run the offense when Cade sits or has a bad night, similar to a Tatum/Brown pairing. Of course, that ship has sailed and I doubt there's anything to be done but pay the man at this point. At 25M I'd have been fine with it, but at 40M it's going to cap the ceiling of this team.

He's getting a max and it's going to cap this team's ceiling. I can't deny he puts up good numbers, but big men aren't good enough at creating for themselves and others to warrant a max in my opinion (except for Joker). And his mediocre defense doesn't make up for it. It's not like Cade can sit and Duren can run the offense, he still needs someone to feed him most of the time.

They don't call him Lu Dirt for nothing.

Cavs lost that game, we didn’t win it. But I’ll take the W nonetheless.

lol at Malone saying “usually you foul when you’re up three like that.” Dude doesn’t know our coach.

Was Daniss flexing at the ref after the buzzer?

So many fouls on that “jump”

You need one stop. Yet still no holland or green.

That ball touched every part of the rim for Tobias. Glad to see it go down but why aren’t we running pick and roll with Daniss and Duren the last five times down?

We won a challenge!

Just give me Ausar, Green, Holland, Reed, and Duren. Ausar can run point. Go all in on defense.

We needed Holland or Green instead. Jenkins and Sasser is too small. Pick one or the other.

This’ll be another failed challenge. He hit him on the wrist.

Why are we dribbling out the clock with a 1 pt lead and this much time to go?

Finally Duncan fouled out.

Jenkins giveth and Jenkins taketh away.

Tobias gives the ball to his Center on the perimeter with 4 seconds left. Garbage.

That was a great recovery block by Duren.

With how bad this game has been from three, from the free throw line, and from the coach I’m honestly shocked we found our way to OT.

You need one rebound. Do you put the other big in between free throws when you can sub? Do you line up Ausar who’s one of your best rebounders? Nope and nope.