Mid-American Conference - 12 Players to Watch in 2013

Northern Illinois quarterback, Jordan
Lynch is looking to have another great
season as a senior.
Picture Courtesy: ESPN.com

1. Jordan Lynch, QB, Northern Illinois: Who can easily forget the memorable junior season from Jordan Lynch last season? Not only did he total for nearly 5,000 yards of total offense, but he led the Huskies to the Discover Orange Bowl, the first BCS bowl game in Mid-American Conference history. Lynch alone rushed for 1,815 yards, setting a new FBS single season record by a quarterback. However, that was only Lynch's junior season. This year, Lynch is a senior with raised expectations. After finishing seventh in Heisman voting last season (which I felt should have been higher), he'll be looking for more success this season in DeKalb with his teammates growing older around him. As if Lynch isn't a big enough weapon alone, the Huskies also return the two top wide receivers from their stellar season last year in Martel Moore and Tommylee Lewis. Look for even more success this season for last year's MAC MVP. 
2. David Fluellen, RB, Toledo: A 1,500 yard rushing season as a junior along with thirteen rushing touchdowns made Toledo running back, David Fluellen an All-MAC First-Team selection last season. This year, the Rockets may lean on Fluellen once again. Obviously, the Toledo up-tempo offense is difficult for defenses to defend, especially when you spread four wide receivers wide and hand the ball to Fluellen, who has the ability to hit the hole with speed. Fluellen was also a threat in the passing game, catching 32 passes for 246 yards. Despite the receiving success, Fluellen averaged 5.8 yards a carry last season which made short third downs an easy decision for the Rocket coaching staff. Recently, Fluellen was named to the Doak Walker preseason watch list, and he won't disappoint that selection, look for a tremendous season for the Toledo runnig back.
3. Dri Archer, RB, Kent State: A true all-around star is the first thing you think about when it comes to Golden Flashes running back, Dri Archer. He'll make impacts in the rushing game unlike many can as shown by his 1,429 yard rushing season as a junior last year. Other than the run game, Archer is a tremendous threat out of the backfield, he recorded 561 yards on 39 receptions and four touchdowns a season ago. This year, the sky is the limit for this Kent State running back, he's elusive and a speed threat and he's also had another year to grow and get stronger. Watch for big things from Archer in the Golden Flashes uniform for the final season.
4. Bernard Reedy, WR, Toledo: The reason I have Reedy on this list is due to the fact that he is on

   

   Toledo wide receiver, Bernard Reedy should find the
   endzone several times this season as a senior.
   Picture Courtesy: Baynews9.com

   pace for a breakout season. With fellow senior, Terrance Owens returning at quarterback, this duo will find the endzone several times this year. Last season, Reedy was named to the All-MAC offense first team after a season which he totaled 89 receptions, 1,105 yards, and six touchdowns. The reason why Reedy is so impactful is because the Rockets have yet to find wide receivers number three and four. Reedy and Alonzo Russell have been a great duo together in the receiving core, but other than those two, there is not much to report. Owens and Reedy will be hooking up several times this season, so watch for Reedy to find the endzone several times during his senior campaign. 
5. Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo: What a season last season for Mack. Not only did he rack up 90 total tackles, but he also recorded eight sacks and was a bright spot for the dim Buffalo Bulls program. This season, Mack is on the Lombardi, Butkus, Nagurski, and Bednarik award watch lists. Mack is a dominating presence who has been anchoring the Bulls linebacking core for the past three seasons. Mack made an impact during his freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons. However, this season the spotlight is on for Mack to really build a name for himself at the next level.
6. Keith Wenning, QB, Ball State: A player on the 2013 Maxwell watch list is Ball State quarterback, Keith Wenning. Wenning has proved that he can carry the work load for the Cardinals, after all he has started 33 straight games. After attempting 71 passes last season against Northern Illinois, you could tell the coaches trusted him completely. With returning weapons at wide receiver, I expect even bigger things from Wenning during his senior campaign. After throwing for 3,095 yards along with 24 touchdowns last season, he was named to the All-MAC second team. Despite the excellent season last year, Wenning had the spotlight stole from him by Jordan Lynch, who was well deserving. However, this season Wenning will need to outperform Lynch if he wants more national attention.
7. Willie Snead, WR, Ball State: A stellar sophomore season for Willie Snead gained him national attention a season ago. Last season, Snead made a name for himself after totaling 89 passes for 1,148 yards. Not only that, but Snead was tied for first in the nation with 58 players of 10 yards or more. Now, Snead is looking to build off of that for his junior season. Not only is Snead returning, but his quarterback is as well. Ball State returns quarterback Keith Wenning, who was one of the top quarterbacks in the conference last season, which can only help the outlook for Snead this season.
8. Zurlon Tipton, RB, Central Michigan: As I've said before, I don't base this list off of what these players did last season, this is for the upcoming 2013 season. With that being said, there is no limit for Zurlon Tipton of Central Michigan this season. Last season, with Ryan Radcliff as the starting quarterback, Tipton rushed for 1,492 yards. This season, there is a quarterback controversy in Mount Pleasant. With that, expect Zurlon to carry the load, that means big time numbers from him once again. Tipton is a senior this year, and one of the only offensive skilled position seniors, which means even more carries and more leadership upon his shoulder. Expect at least a 1,500 yard season and several All-MAC awards coming his way at season's end.
9. BooBoo Gates, DB, Bowling Green: Last season was a solid season for Gates, who anchored the 

   

   Bowling Green defensive back, BooBoo Gates will be
    a top defender in the Mid-American Conference this year.
   Picture Courtesy: ToledoBlade.com

   Bowling Green defense. However, this season I fully expect him to be in the running for MAC Defensive Player of the Year. During Gates' junior season he totaled 41 tackles and two interceptions, just two stats that should be greatly on the rise this season, that is if MAC offenses even want to throw his way.
10. Justin Cherocci, LB, Central Michigan: This confuses me. Explain to be how a guy who records 132 total tackles as a sophomore doesn't make an All-MAC defensive team and only gets named to the 2013 All-MAC defensive third team watch list? No. That's a joke! Justin Cherocci is a beast, he reads plays like very few can in the Mid-American Conference. Cherocci was fifth in the MAC with his 132 tackles and ranked 19th nationally, but can't even get mentioned as a top player in the conference? Well here it is, I'll be the one to give Cherocci some love. Not only did he record triple digits in tackles, but he had eight games this season in which he recorded double digits in the tackle column. This season, as only a junior, look for him to emerge as one of the top linebackers in the conference as a truly underestimated player.
11. Tyler Tettleton, QB, Ohio: The reason why Tettleton is on this list and not other great MAC 
    quarterbacks? The pass proficiency. 18 touchdowns versus four interceptions, that stat really stands out. Tettleton takes care of the ball, while being extremely productive for the Bobcats. Tettleton was hiden behind three MAC quarterbacks last season in Jordan Lynch, Keith Wenning, and Zac Dysert of Miami. However, this season, that will change. Tettleton threw for 2,844 yards last season with the 18 touchdowns that I mentioned, and now is a redshirt senior who is looking for some of the MAC spotlight. Ohio will be a dangerous team in the Mid-American Conference, and guess who the leader of the Bobcats is? That's right, none other than Tyler Tettleton.
12. Gabe Martin, LB, Bowling Green: Originally, I wanted the list down to ten, however, it's hard to leave a player like Gabe Martin off of the list. The reason you see Martin's name on this list isn't because of last year's production. It's because of the production he can have this season. Martin had a good redshirt sophomore season recording a team-high 70 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Along with BooBoo Gates, the Bowling Green defense had a great season last year, but looks to become even better this season. Martin has a talent to get into the backfield and blow plays up, which is why I fully expect him to improve off of his All-MAC defensive first team season a year ago.

Questions? Comments? Contact me on Twitter: @ZHarig23

Toledo Rockets Season Preview 2013

Head Coach: Matt Campbell (10-4 in one season)
2012 Record: 9-4 (6-2 in Mid-American Conference, second in the MAC West division)
Offensive Starters Returning: 9
Offensive Starters Lost: 2
Defensive Starters Returning: 4
Defensive Starters Lost: 7
Lost Leadership: LB Dan Molls, LB Rober
t Bell, S Mark Singer, S Jermaine Robinson
Key Returnees: QB Terrance Owens, RB David Fluellen, WR Bernard Reedy, WR Alonzo Russell, DB Cheatham Norrils, DB Junior Sylvestre, LB Trent Voss, DL Jayrone Elliott

What They're Saying: USA Today has ranked the Toledo Rockets as the 44th best team in the FBS in their 2013 preseason rankings.

The Toledo Rockets will have a difficult non-conference
schedule, opening at Florida and Missouri.
Picture Courtesy: UTRockets.com

Last Season's Summary: A 9-4 overall record last season was highlighted by a monumental victory on October 20 against the 21st-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats. Despite the prestigious victory, the Rockets still lost two of the bigger conference games on their schedule to Ball State and Northern Illinois, each by a touchdown. The Rockets would ultimately finish behind Northern Illinois for the third consecutive season as the Huskies headed to a BCS bowl game. Despite the two loses, the Rockets would still find themselves in the Idaho Potato Bowl against Utah State. Rarely will you see a Matt Campbell coached offense only put up fifteen points, but that's exactly what the Rockets did in the bowl game, losing 41-15 to the Aggies to finish the season.

Last Season's Team Statistics: (Source: NCAA.com)
Total Offense: 446 yards per game, 31st Nationally, 3rd in Mid-American Conference
Passing Yards: 252 per game, 48th Nationally, 5th in Mid-American Conference
Rushing Yards: 193 per game, 35th Nationally, 4th in Mid-American Conference
Red Zone Defense: Opponent Red Zone percentage: 69%, 11th Nationally, 2nd in Mid-American Conference

2013 Offensive Outlook:

You can't spell TOLEDO without the T and the O. Terrance
Owens should have a tremendous season for Rockets once
again.

Strengths: You can't look at the Toledo offense without noticing they'll have nine returning offensive players,  and bring back many skilled position players. Among those returning, are three seniors who all had breakout junior seasons. Quarterback Terrance Owens will return after a junior season which included passing for 2,700 yards and 14 touchdowns. Along with Owens, running back David Fluellen also returns. After rushing for nearly 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, he was named to the Doak Walker preseason watch list. As if those two returnees aren't enough, Toledo also brings back their number one wide receiver, Bernard Reedy. Reedy recorded 88 receptions for 1,100 yards and 6 touchdowns during his junior campaign, and you can
only expect that number to rise this season. Toledo head coach, Matt Campbell has been known for his explosive offenses during his time both as the Rockets offensive coordinator and his one season at the helm, and expect this season to be no different. Not many teams can say that they have three senior starters at all three offensive skilled positions, but it's something the Rockets can say. Look for Fluellen to be a huge factor in Campbell's spread offense once again, but Terrance Owens is also poised for a breakout season if Reedy can remain healthy and if the Rockets can find more weapons behind him at wide out.

Weakness: The Toledo Rockets struggled to find wide receiver depth behind Bernard Reedy and Alonzo Russell last season. Reedy and Russell combined for a bit over 2,000 receiving yards during the 2012 campaign, which is over two-thirds of the Rockets passing total. Other than Reedy and Russell, the Rockets tried several other receivers such as Justin Olack, Cassisus McDowell, and Dwight Macon, who all struggled to get consistent receptions. With the Toledo offense featuring four wide receivers in several offensive sets, the Rockets will need to find at least a third productive receiver, and Justin Olack could be that guy. Olack made nineteen catches for 260 yards last season, but needs to be more consistent this season. If the Rockets get Olack going, it will just add another weapon to Terrance Owens' disposal, which could be lethal to MAC defenses.

2013 Defensive Outlook:

Toledo defensive end, Christian Smith is
looking for a productive senior season.

Strengths: With only four returning starters, the Rockets need to fill some holes on defense. However, a lot of productivity will return on the defensive line. Among the returning players is defensive tackle, Elijah Jones. Jones was a consistent run stopper on the Toledo defense last season, recording 31 tackles in the thirteen games. Along with Jones on the defensive line, is one of the defensive leaders on the 2013 squad, Christian Smith. Despite the large expectations for Smith, he is coming off of a knee injury which kept him out during the final eight games of the 2012 season. However, if he can stay healthy this season, Smith can provide the pass rushing defensive end that the Rockets need. Despite Smith getting most of the attention at defensive end, opposing offenses won't be able to relax on the other side of the defensive line either. Despite a lackadaisical 2012 campaign, Jayrone Elliot will return on the other side of the defensive line. Elliot has a chance to be extremely productive in his senior season, a chance to improve off of the 18 tackles and six sacks that he recorded last season.

Weakness: Look at all of those question marks in the secondary and at linebacker. The Rockets are going to have some problems filling the experience and production need gfrom last season, specially at linebacker. Last season's Rocket linebacking core were led by Dan Molls and Robert Bell, who are both trying to make NFL rosters right now. This season, sophomore Trent Voss will be leaned upon. Voss had a productive freshman season at Toledo after recording 13 tackles against Coastal Carolina and 12 tackles against Akron. However, what about around Voss? Dawalyn Harper will be seeing the field a lot more this season, if he doesn't find himself in a starters role, despite not playing often last season. Inexperience could be an issue with the Rockets defense this upcoming season, especially with the added expectation and leadership placed on sophomore linebacker, Trent Voss.

Bottom Line: It should be a great year for the Toledo Rockets. The returning offensive lightning will be crucial due to the inexperienced defense. The object of the game: score more than the other team, and Toledo's offense will be great at doing that with Owens, Fluellen, and Reedy returning. On defense, look for Trent Voss to breakout and hope for a productive year from the seniors on the defensive line. The secondary will be under a lot of stress, as they typically are in the Mid-American Conference. Jordan Haden will also be leaned upon in the defensive backfield and we'll see his leadership grow throughout the season. Toledo is a serious MAC contender this season, and November 20th against the Northern Illinois Huskies may just decide the MAC West again this season, as it typically does. Also, I'm a serious believer in the Rockets against the Florida Gators in week one, it'll be a closer game than most expect.

Schedule/My Predictions:

August 31 - @ Florida - L 31-45

September 7 - @ Missouri - W 34-27

September 14 - Eastern Washington - W 48-21

September 21 - @ Central Michigan - W 38-31

September 28 - @ Ball State - W 31-24

October 5 - Western Michigan - W 38-24

October 19 - Navy - W 31-17

October 26 - @ Bowling Green - W 38-35

November 2 - Eastern Michigan - W 45-14

November 12 - Buffalo - W 38-20

November 20 - Northern Illinois - L 24-38

November 29 - @ Akron - W 35-24

Overall: 10-2 MAC: 7-1

Central Michigan Football Season Preview 2013

Head Coach: Dan Enos (13-24 in three seasons)

2012 Record: 7-6 (4-4 in Mid-American Conference, fourth in the MAC West division)

Offensive Starters Returning: 7

Offensive Starters Lost: 4

Defensive Starters Returning: 7

Defensive Starters Lost: 4

Lost Leadership: QB Ryan Radcliff, WR Cody Wilson, S Jahleel Addae, DL Caesar Rodriguez, DL Joe Kinville, LT Eric Fisher, RG                                                             Darren Keyton, RT Mike Repovz, CB Lorenzo White

Key Returnees: RB Zurlon Tipton, WR Titus Davis, WR Courtney Williams, LB Justin Cherocci, LB Shamari Benton, DT Jabari Dean, S Avery Cunningham, S Kavon Frazier

Last season's summary: It was an inconsistent year last season for the Central Michigan Chippewas. However, a three game win streak at the end of the season would make the Chips bowl-eligible, and would ultimately give them a Little Caesars Pizza Bowl birth. A 24-21 victory in that game against Western Kentucky would add some cold water to the hot seat of head coach, Dan Enos. After going 3-9 in his first two seasons in Mount Pleasant, Enos now has a bowl victory under his belt, along with a 7-6 winning season. Despite the winning season, you have to think Central Michigan fans are still expecting more for Enos and the Chips, especially a victory over their rival, the Western Michigan Broncos.

2013 Offensive Outlook:

Central Michigan senior running back, Zurlon Tipton
will be heavily leaned upon this season.
Picture Courtesy: cmuchippewas.com

Strength: The Chippewas running game should be extremely strong this season, with returning running back, Zurlon Tipton. Tipton was nearly a 1,500 yard rusher last season, but really didn't get the ball as much as he should have. However, this upcoming season, without a quarterback like Ryan Radcliff to carry the team, expect Tipton to get several more carries. As long as the Chippewas offensive line can be productive in front of Zurlon, expect him to have another very explosive season in Mount Pleasant. 

Weaknesses: With Ryan Radcliff graduated, Central Michigan is looking to replace a 3,100 yard passer. Replacing Radcliff may not be the biggest issue that the Chippewas need to face, however, especially with a very productive wide receiver unit with Titus Davis, Courtney Williams, and young stud, Andrew Flory. If Cody Kater replaces Radcliff as the starting quarterback, don't expect an easy transition. Kater is a junior this season, but have extremely minimal experience at the college level. Last season, Kater threw a total of four passes, completing two of them. Despite Kater's inexperience, keep in mind he won't need to carry the entire offense. Kater has the luxury of handing the ball off to one of the top running backs in the Mid-American Conference in Zurlon Tipton. Along with Tipton, Kater will have several productive wide receivers to throw the ball to. I expect a few issues at the quarterback position for Central, especially with the tough opening game at the Big House to face the Michigan Wolverines, but if Kater gets comfortable, he has the weapons around him to make the Chippewas one of the MAC's most explosive offenses.

2013 Defensive Outlook: 

Central Michigan linebacker, Justin Cherocci will look
to build off of a very productive season as a sophomore.
Picture Courtesy: zimbio.com

Strength: The strength of the Chippewa defense has to be the linebacking core. Led by Justin Cherocci and Shamari Benton, the CMU linebackers are some of the best in the MAC. Cherocci and Benton were one of the top linebacker duos in the MAC last season, combining for 256 tackles. Along with the tackles, comes the veteran leadership of Cherocci and Benton. Cherocci was an All-MAC third team performer last season as a sophomore, and ranked 19th nationally in tackles with 132. Along side of him, Shamari Benton who ranked 24th nationally with 126 tackles, and was named Little Caesars Pizza Bowl lineman of the game. Also, during five games last season, Benton recorded double digits in tackles. This season, both players are coming back with a bowl win under their belt, and there is no ceiling on what this duo can do together this season.

Weakness: The defensive weaknesses for the Chips this season are at the cornerback position along with the leadership questions. Losing Lorenzo White and Jahleel Addae to graduation is a big blow to the secondary as a whole, especially in Addae's case. Jahleel Addae led the team last year in interceptions with four. Addae's four interceptions wouldn't be as big of a deal if the team had more than just thirteen during their thirteen game season. Now, it's up to Avery Cunningham and sophomore, Kavon Frazier to step up at the safety positions. Cunningham had 88 tackles and two interceptions playing along side of Addae last season at safety. Frazier on the other hand, was in sparingly at the safety position. Despite the lack of time Frazier received at safety, he still made quite an impact. As a true freshman, Frazier recorded 36 tackles and an interception against Eastern Michigan which he returned 49 yards for a touchdown to help lead the Chippewas to a bowl bid. The safety positions shouldn't be an issue for the Chips this season, but the cornerback spot will be. Jarret Chapman and Jason Wilson should be the main corners once again this season, but both of them were shut out of the interception category last season. Cornerbacks who can't force turnovers and interceptions become crucial in close games when you need that playmaker in your secondary. Truthfully, this may not be as big of an issue as it's made out to be, but it is nearly the only slight weakness that I see in this Central defense this upcoming season.

Bottom Line: It should be a pretty decent year for the Central Michigan Chippewas if they can find their signal caller at quarterback. With playmakers returning such as Zurlon Tipton, Titus Davis, and Courtney Williams on offense, and tremendous linebacker play once again this season, the Chips should be able to duplicate or even improve on last season's seven wins. If the Chippewas are only able to win five or six games this season, they'll at least hope for one of their victories to come on November 16 at Western Michigan.

Schedule/My Predictions:

August 31 - @ Michigan - L 17-45

September 7 - New Hampshire - W 34-14

September 14 - @ UNLV - W 35-24

September 21 - Toledo - L 21-38

September 28 - @ NC State - L 17-31

October 5 - @ Miami (Ohio) - W 31-24

October 12 - Ohio - L 20-35

October 19 - Northern Illinois - L 35-38

November 6 - @ Ball State - W 28-24

November 16 - @ Western Michigan - W 35-34

November 23 - UMass - W 38-14

November 29 - Eastern Michigan - W 45-17

My Predictions: 7-5 (5-3 Mid-American Conference)

Signings of Billups and Bynum Create A Crowded Pistons Backcourt

DETROIT, Mich. -- It was just a few days ago that we all wondered what the Pistons were going to do at the point guard position. Today we found that answer when the team signed free agent, Chauncey Billups. That's right, Mr. Big Shot Billups is back in Detroit. Joe Dumars signed Billups to a two-year contract worth $5 million. Along with Billups, the Pistons also brought backup point guard, Will Bynum back with a two-year contract worth $6 million.

Thursday's news of Chauncey Billups signing with the
Pistons came as a shock to most Pistons fans.
Picture Courtesy: 2ksports.com

Sure, these signings answered some of our questions about the point guard position, but now there are even more questions about the Detroit guards. Prior to these signings, Brandon Knight was projected to start at point guard, but now? There is a lot of debate whether Knight will remain at point guard or change back to his better position at shooting guard. Along with that question comes the question of what the team does with Rodney Stuckey. Stuckey's large contract presents a lot of problems for Joe Dumars and the Pistons because teams won't be willing to take on his large salary. 

A few weeks ago with the 56th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Pistons selected Louisville point guard, Peyton Siva. Now what? Siva has looked great thus far in the Pistons summer league, including nine assists and seven steals during a 78-77 win over the Miami Heat on Thursday. However, will there be room on the roster for Siva? Some say no. With Knight, Bynum, and Billups all getting time at point guard, Siva won't get many minutes if he makes the big club. Since Kim English is having a rough summer on the court and with the added depth at the guard spots, I don't expect English to make the squad.

With English off the squad as I expect, one more player will need to be cut. The candidates to be cut for me would be Khris Middleton or Peyton Siva, which will be interesting to see how it turns out. Middleton played well as a role player late in the season last year, but is more of a small forward than a guard. 

My solution for this? Trade Rodney Stuckey! We all know he doesn't enjoy playing in Detroit, and he seems to have a problem with head coaches in Detroit as well. However, the issue with that is Stuckey is due $8.5 million over this upcoming season, the final year of his contract. Not many teams would be willing to take on nearly $9 million for a player who averaged 11.5 points and 3.6 assists last season. Without suitable trade partners, it looks as if Siva won't make the Pistons roster, which is a shame due to how great he is looking over the summer.

Questions or comments on this article? Contact me on Twitter: @ZHarig23

Josh Smith Signing A Bad Decision for the Detroit Pistons?

Josh Smith may have been a star in Atlanta, but in
Detroit? Only time will tell.
Picture Courtesy: Bleacher Report

DETROIT, Mich. -- One of the most targeted free agents this off-season has found a home in Detroit. Free agent forward, Josh Smith has agreed to a four-year, $56 million deal to become the new face of the Pistons rebuilt franchise. Despite most Pistons fans being happy about the acquisition on Saturday, it may not have been the signing that Detroit is looking for.

Before digging into the possible cons of the signing, let's get the facts straight. Smith will add tremendous size to Detroit lineup which already features Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. Along with Smith's size, he is also one of the best defenders in the league. Smith was the NBA's youngest player to get to 100 career blocks, and also won the NBA's defensive player of the year award following the 2007-08 season. Smith will add a tremendous presence on defense for this team, but the offensive end is where most of the issues will be presented.

Smith's size is a great asset on defense, but on offense? This couldn't be a worse signing from an offensive standpoint. Smith's 6-foot, 9-inch frame is something that will clog up the court on offense. With the Detroit big men, Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond down low, they'll need room to operate, which is something Smith won't allow. Smith is an awful jump shooter, but plays well in the post, just like Monroe and Drummond. The interior of the Pistons offense will end up extremely clogged and not allow much room for the big men to operate. With Josh Smith starting at small forward, he'll be stuck playing on the perimeter, which is a location that Smith is not used to. Smith dominates in the post, but playing small forward, he won't be placed there often.

Another issue with the three post players in the starting lineup is the lack of sharp shooters in the back court. Brandon Knight and Rodney Stuckey are projected to be the starting guards, and both are not known as knockdown shooters. Stuckey has been rumored to be traded a few times this off-season, but there is a chance of him remaining in Detroit. With Smith, Monroe, and Drummond down low and a lack of shooters on the perimeter, defenses will be allowed to collapse on the interior and shut down the post play. Unless Detroit makes one more acquisition for a shooter, the offense may become a logjam on the inside.

Nonetheless, Josh Smith should be a decent acquisition. However, $56 million may be overpaying for a player of Smith's ability. Smith does not fit well in Detroit's system, but Joe Dumars needed to overpay for Smith due to missing out on a target like Andre Iguodala, who would have fit better in Detroit. With all the cap room the Pistons had left to spend, the pressure was on Dumars to sign that star, which is what he found in Smith, but sacrificed a player that fits in the system. On the bright side, Smith will just add to one of the most young and dangerous front courts in the Eastern Conference. This dangerous front court should place fear in teams playing Detroit once again for the first time since the Ben and Rasheed Wallace tandem during the 2004 Championship run.




Questions or comments on this article? Contact me on Twitter: @ZHarig23

Detroit Pistons Off-Season Storylines

Josh Smith has been one of the most targeted
free agents this off-season, and the Pistons
have been one of the most active teams
pursuing him.
Picture Courtesy: USA Today

COACHING CHANGE - It's no secret that the Detroit Pistons needed a change. Coming off of a 29-53 season, the city of Detroit were looking for change. SOME of that change came with the firing of head coach, Lawrence Frank. After hiring Maurice Cheeks as Frank's replacement just a few weeks later, it became time to focus on the NBA Draft.

NBA DRAFT - Detroit waited patiently at eighth overall, unaware of what would happen ahead of them during the first seven picks. However, when the eighth overall pick arrived, there were several tremendous players remaining on the board. Aware of the need for a small forward or a true point guard, several people expected the pick to be Michigan point guard, Trey Burke. However, that's not where Joe Dumars chose to go. Instead, it was Georgia shooting guard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. After selecting Caldwell-Pope, speculation started to arise with questions of Brandon Knight's future.

BRANDON KNIGHT'S FUTURE - Former 8th overall pick, Brandon Knight was said to be the shooting guard of the future in Detroit, according to team president, Joe Dumars. However, the team decided to draft a shooting guard in this year's draft, leaving questions about the 22 year-old guard. According to team sources, Brandon Knight is currently the team's starting point guard, unless they make more acquisitions. Jose Calderon started at point guard last season in Detroit, but all indications are that he'll be moved before the start of the season.

JOSE CALDERON'S FUTURE - Today's news of Dwight Howard signing with the Houston Rockets has more effect on Detroit than you may think. It has been reported several times that Howard would love to play with Calderon, and that it may be an under-the-table agreement between Howard and the Rockets front office. If Calderon is traded to the Rockets, the Pistons could end up with point guard, Jeremy Lin in return. I expect Calderon to be moved to Houston, but the returning player(s) are up in the air.

OFF-SEASON TARGETS - Former Nuggets forward, Andre Iguodala was a heavily targeted free agent for the Detroit Pistons this off-season, which made the news of his signing with Golden State hurt that much more. Iguodala agreed to terms on a four-year, $48 million deal with the Warriors, which should lead to a more aggressive hunt for Josh Smith in Detroit. Smith is a quiet star in the NBA and averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season with the Atlanta Hawks. Smith met with the Detroit Pistons for five hours when free agency began, and has shown interest in the Pistons. However, if Detroit were to bring in Josh Smith, the team would be limited from making anymore off-season trades and signings. Another big option for the Pistons organization is Raptors forward, Rudy Gay. Gay has quietly become a star as well in the NBA. While targeting Josh Smith and Andre Iguodala, the Pistons also made a trade offer to Toronto for Rudy Gay. The Pistons reportedly offered the expiring contracts of Rodney Stuckey and Charlie Villanueva, which was promptly declined. The Raptors have said that Gay and his $35 million salary over the next two seasons will be available, but for the right price. Another big time possible acquisition for the Pistons would be Celtics point guard, Rajon Rondo. After the Boston Celtics traded Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets, the Pistons immediately got on the phone and made their interest in Rondo known. Boston would be unlikely to give up the 27 year-old Rondo due to his manageable $11 million salary and young age. However, if the Pistons were to sign Josh Smith, either Greg Monroe or Andre Drummond could become available in a trade due to the need for a point guard.

BOTTOM LINE - Detroit is being proactive this off-season, which is definitely something to get excited about if you're a Detroit Pistons fan. Even though I disagree with the draft pick of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, if they can place a star like Rudy Gay, Josh Smith, or Rajon Rondo next to the dangerous duo of Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, the Pistons should be able to contend for a seven or eight seed in the Eastern Conference, something that they haven't been able to do for several seasons. However, let's not put the wagon in front of the horse, the deals still need to be made. The holes at point guard and small forward are still as large as any in the NBA right now.




Have questions or comments on this article? Contact me on Twitter: @ZHarig23