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The Detroit Pistons draft as yielded solid picks so far

Embed from Getty Images The reason people should steer clear of Mock Drafts was on full display last night. In rounds one and two of the 2019 NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons were “Mocked” by many different outlets and connected to many different players. Then the actual draft got underway and Detroit went against popular choice.

By all accounts the Detroit Pistons were handed a gift. The teams first draft pick was at #15 in the first round. Where the Pistons brass selected Sekou Doumbouya, from Guinea. Many experts did not expect Doumbouya to be on the board when Detroit picked. He was and Detroit struck.

At just 18 years old Sekou Doumbouya has a lot of potential. Above average defense and his offensive game took a massive step forward this past season. Working primarily as a center, Sekou can also play shooting forward. His years of playing soccer in Guinea has helped his agility.

In short this was a solid pick.

 

With the Detroit Pistons second round pick the team selected Lithuanian forward Deividas Sirvydis. He will remain overseas to work on development.

Detroit was not done. The team then traded they’re second first round draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for two future second round draft picks. The Pistons still were not done. Moments before day one of the NBA draft concluded, the team traded one of they’re future second round picks to the Philadelphia 76ers, for point guard Jordan Bone.

Bone, struggled with consistency his first two season for the Tennessee Vols. Then last season he put it all together. Jordan Bone averaged 13 points, 5.8 assists per-game, he also shot 35.5% from 3 point range on 3.8 attemps per-game.

In all the Detroit Pistons were active and improved the team. The picks were not sexy. But, Detroit is building around Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. The key word is building. Detroit added some defensive power with offensive upside.

In all, I give the Detroit Pistons a solid B+ for the first day of the draft.

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The Detroit Pistons Ed Stefanski makes a swanky trade

Embed from Getty Images Jon Leuer had fallen out of favor with Detroit Pistons fans. Leuer suffered a foot injury in 2017-18 that limited him to just eight games and he has not been the same since. Leuer’s expiring contract was viewed as an asset, which the Pistons decided to cash in Wednesday.

Wednesday night Ed Stefanski traded Jon Leuer to the Milwaukee Bucks for forward Tony Snell and the 30th pick in the draft. That’s right. Jon Leuer who has not been the same since he was injured. Netted a nice bench player and the Bucks first round draft pick giving Detroit two first round picks.

Tony Snell is set to make $11.4 million next season and has a player option for $12.2 million for 2020-21, the final years of a four-year deal worth $46 million that he signed in the summer of 2017.

Snell’s arrival in Motown fills a big need for veteran wing help, as the Pistons dealt both Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson at the trade deadline and finished the season with a three-guard rotation. Snell give Detroit a bigger player off the bench.

Appearing in 74 games this season, Tony Snell, averaged 6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and shot 40%  on 3-pointers, taking about three per game. That is more productio they got from Jon Leuer at $9.5 million.

The question now for the Detroit Pistons and the fan base is does Ed Stefanski package the teams two first round draft picks and move up? Tonight is the NBA’s 2019 draft.

As the Pistons continue to construct the roster to maximize the window of All-Star Blake Griffin, it is possible the Pistons look to move up. the 27 year old Snell  is slightly overpaid, his contract is moveable in case next season does not go well, or Snell simply does not mesh with the rest of the team.

In my opinion Detroit will likely pencil Snell in as the Pistons’ starting small forward on opening night in October. He did play well with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The hope here is he plays just as well with Blake Griffin.

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One of the Detroit Red Wings top prospects Jared McIsaac to have shoulder surgery

Embed from Getty Images Jared McIsaac  dealt with a shoulder injury through the second half of the season. Finishing his junior career with the Halifax Mooseheads, McIsaac a  left-handed defensemen ended up with 62 points in 53 regular season games and also played for  Canada at the World Junior tournament.

Jared McIsaac, is a defensive player with very good mobility and with top-notch speed and acceleration in both directions. Drafted last year by the Detroit Red Wings, he fit what the Wings are trying to get to on defense. The team is looking to draft excellent two-way defenders.

Despite the shoulder surgery, McIsaac figures to be part of the Detroit Red Wings long-term plans. Steve Yzerman spoke about him during the press conference to announce he was taking over as the organizations general manager.

McIsaac must get stronger, which is why he was back in the juniors. He will be back with the Mooseheads this season as he is not eligible to play in the AHL right now. It is hard to say if more strength would have prevented the injury.

Jared McIsaac has all the upside and skills necessary to be a top-four defenceman at the NHL level. Something that will aid the Detroit rebuild. The young defensive player is expected to make a full recovery. But it will take time.

McIsaac will  be out for five to six months he will be unable to fight for a spot on the Detroit Red Wings blue line this training camp. The Red Wings have requested Jared has his surgery in Detroit so thery and team doctors can monitor him.

The Red Wings need Jared McIsaac. He projects as a top four defensive player.

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The Detroit Red Wings are the “X-factor” in the 2019 NHL draft

Embed from Getty Images They currently sit at #6 in the first round of the NHL draft. Yet, the Detroit Red Wings hold the keys to the entire draft. With five draft picks before the fourth round, Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman can move up or back because unlike the other teams he has the assets to do it.

Last week in a twenty minute media update, Yzerman played coy. It is not like he was going to tip his hand one way or another. Yzerman said he is going to draft talent, not need. Something he did in Tampa Bay which turned out very well for the Lightning.

The top 10 players in this years draft are outstanding unlike the past two NHL drafts.  No matter what he does, Yzerman will make the Red Wings rebuild a little better. There is tremendous talent throughout this years draft. So if he keeps the picks Detroit wins. If he trades the picks Detroit wins.

Steve Yzerman can send a ripple though the league. The top two teams are not trading they’re picks. So the draft truly starts with the third pick. If Yzerman makes a move teams will have to recheck they’re draft boards.

In my opinion, Steve Yzerman understands his team and organization is rebuilding. Unless he gets a massive offer he can not refuse, I do not see the Red Wings moving down.

NHL insiders are all saying that all eyes will by “On Yzerman and Detroit.” Given the NHL draft starts Friday night, and Steve Yzerman and his scouting department are deep in meetings to map out draft strategies he knows what he wants to do in this draft.

Knowing what you would like to do and being able to do them are two different things. Because of 3 second round draft picks, Yzerman is able to do what he wants.

It should be interesting to watch it unfold Friday night in Vancouver, British Columbia. The draft starts at 8:00 pm, fans can tune into NBCSN for complete coverage.

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Father’s Day 2019

“Dedicate your children to God and point them in the way they should go, and the values they’ve learned from you will be with them for life.” Proverbs 22:6 (The Passion Translation)

Sports season reflect the seasons in our life,

Football season: rough tough, angry

Basketball season: hustle, trying to keep up

Hockey season: focused, team driven

Baseball season: quiet, time slows down

This Father’s Day, reflection has allowed me to take a step back and evaluate where I am as a husband, father, friend and teammate. This season for our family is sort of a cross between football and hockey. Which is sort of a weird mix. Yet, that is where we find ourselves Father’s Day 2019.

We are blessed to have a family member who is struggling to fight an opponent. Not your every day opponent mind you. But a rival, who is without mercy and to this point and as far as I know is undefeated. Dementia.

It is my opinion that it does not matter what you did years ago. In fact it is not what you did in more recent times that define you. It is how you reevaluate and make corrections.

My father, lead by example. He was even keeled, focused and showed me how through various family struggles that you keep going. Keep pushing, keep building relationships and even mend relationships. In other words do whatever you need to put points on the board of life.

A few years ago, I struggled to come to grips with my past. Living decades in the darkness of unforgiveness and being blind to it. Sometimes when we are use to living a certain way, through God’s mercy I no longer carry unforgiveness. It did not happen overnight. It was a choice I had to make. I no longer wanted the weight of not forgiving people to be an anvil around myself and my family. God has broken the chains and I am now free.

In this rough/ tough football season mixed with focused/ team driven hockey season. We strap on our armor and stand and wait for God to move. Do not get me wrong, we will work, we will fight, we will remember we are not alone in our endeavor.

God is giving our family this season to galvanize us as a unit. That is the blessing. That is Father’s Day 2019.

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With NBA credentials in hand, Michigan Wolverine’s Juwan Howard can make a big impact with recruits

Embed from Getty Images It has been three weeks since former Fab Five member took over as the head basketball coach at the University of Michigan.  Thursday, Juwan Howard made his first stop on the recruiting trail. the top 100 players gathered at the National Basketball Players Association Camp.

It was not an has not been lost on the collection of the 100 best players. When the former Michigan star turned NBA star, turned NBA assistant coach, turned Michigan Wolverines head coach. Players stopped, looked whispered and exchanged glances when Howard walked through the door.

Juwan Howard has won at every level he has played at. The current high school players know of Howards accolades. Juwan Howard was a McDonalds All-American in high school, two-time All-American at Michigan, two time NBA champion. That speaks louder to players than Howard’s voice ever could.

It is also not lost on potential recruits that Juwan played with Lebron James and Dwyane Wade. He lived with Michael Jordan for a summer. Oh and when Juwan Howard announced he was going to attend Michigan and play hoops for the school, he recruited the rest of the players that would make up the Fab Five.

It is his relationships with NBA players that gives Howard a leg up. Recently Lebron James (a HUGE Ohio State fan) son said he is seriously considering going to Michigan with his dad’s approval. Dwayne Wade’s son has said the same thing.

While it is still early in the recruiting process, Juwan Howard has already talked to and gotten verbal commitments from a few big time recruits. As soon as he was announced to be the Wolverines basketball coach, Juwan Howard had already won the recruiting battle in the Big Ten. The other schools simply can not match what Howard brings to players and recruits.

Michigan is even passing Michigan State who had a longtime leg up in recruiting. For the other schools the struggle has gotten more daunting. For Juwan Howard, he is just getting started.

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A few players the Detroit Red Wings could target in the first round

Embed from Getty Images I have a confession to make. I hate Mock Drafts. Sure anyone can tell who based on sheer talent who will be the top pick, even the first two or three picks for that matter. Then it is anyone’s guess. There are way too many variables such as trades, players stock rising and players stock falling. With that here are three players I believe Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings could be interested in.

Steve Yzerman believes in building his team from the back out. Defense, goalie, then forwards. Forwards is not a problem in Detroit. The defense is a bit of a mess. After a bumpy start Filip Hronek showed he can be a solid second line defender. Dennis Cholowski should be solid on the third line. But no top defensive line pairing makes this a rather critical need for Detroit.

The top defensive prize in the 2019 NHL draft is Bowen Byram. Byram is an excellent skater,  Byram is strong on his skates and has excellent balance. Bowen wins battles in front of the net and along the boards. He is also strong at protecting the puck. Something Yzerman covets.  Bowen Byram is a strong puck mover who can quarterback the power play. He is expected to be gone before Detroit picks at number 6. Yzerman could choose to move up.

 

Right Wings, Vasili Podkolzin could also be of interest to the rebuilding Red Wings. Podkolzin has a powerful stride that generates good speed his excellent balance allows him to win battles on the boards and in front of the net. Also, this prospects good stickhandling skills  make him tough to defend in one on one situations. Podkolzin brings high compete level and an effective defensive game. Vasili is willing to show the same battle in his own end that he brings in the offensive end. Podkolzin fights for loose pucks and supports the defence down low.

 

Next we come to my personal favorite,  Trevor Zegras. Of all the players in this years draft Trevor Zegras has a first step quickness and acceleration that set him apart from the rest of the field.  Zegras has very good vision and passing skill, helping him to be a primary playmaker on his line. He also has a high hockey IQ and good vision. Trevor’s hand-eye coordination makes him best known as a playmaker, he can score goals with soft hands in tight to the net. Zegras has improved his defensive game. Trevor backchecks hard and supports the defense down low. He uses his quickness and an active stick to create turnovers.

 

So there you have it. No mock draft. Just three players who fit what Steve Yzerman is trying to do with the Detroit Red Wings.

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HBO picks the Oakland Raiders over the Detroit Lions and others for “Hard Knocks”

Embed from Getty Images Team president Rod Wood said he wanted no part of the HBO NFL training camp documentary “Hard Knocks.” That was Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn’s take as well. Lions head coach Matt Patricia also was not exactly excited at the prospects of being on the show. The Detroit Lions got they’re wish.

NFL teams are picked by HBO and can not say no  to being featured on the show if they fail to meet any of the following criteria: qualified for the postseason in the past two years, hired a new head coach this offseason or appeared on “Hard Knocks” in the past 10 years.

On Tuesday, HBO announced that it has picked the Oakland Raiders to be featured on the network’s behind the scenes training camp series “Hard Knocks.” The Detroit Lions entire operation let out a collective sigh.

Back in February, Matt Patricia suggested that Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders would be an excellent choice for the show.  Patricia’s suggestion was made partly out of his want to being left out of the spotlight and not having to conform Detroit’s training camp into must see T.V. The Lions were one of five teams the NFL could compel to appear on the show that gives viewers an annual behind-the-scenes look at one NFL team’s training camp.

Rod Wood said the Detroit Lions would accept their fate if they were picked to appear, and as recently as last week Patricia said he hadn’t been told one way or another whether the Lions still were a candidate for the show.

While ‘Hard Knocks” is an interesting look inside the demands of preparing for the grind of the NFL season. Teams that have appeared on the popular show say it takes away from the narrative, focusing on learning new systems, reacquainting player relationships, and trying to mix in rookies into team chemistry.

The Detroit Lions had a disappointing 2018 season. The team is looking to rebound and return to the NFL playoffs. Now thanks to the Oakland Raiders, that can be the Lions total focus.

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Meet Doug Mientkiewicz the man spearheading the Detroit Tigers rebuild

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Tigers rebuild is well known by now. The Tigers changed they’re philosophy to drafting and developing home grown players in order to win longer. A growing trend in Major League Baseball. This is where Toledo Mud Hens manager Doug Mientkiewicz comes into play.

Doug Mientkiewicz played 12 MLB seasons, including parts of seven seasons under Ron Gardenhire with the Minnesota  Twins. Gardenhire, is the current Detroit Tigers manager.

It is those same Minnesota Twins who are now winning. The funny thing in all of this is Doug Mientkiewicz, was in charge of the Twins rebuild. With almost all of the Detroit Tigers top prospects in the upper minor leagues, the second-year Toledo Mud Hens manager is embracing another opportunity to play a part in another rebuild.

“They’re (players) putting the weight of the world on their shoulders,” Mientkiewicz said. The Mud Hens boss understands it is his job to get the players to block out self-imposed pressure  and develop them into everyday MLB players.

As the Tigers rebuild presses on, Mientkiewicz, may be one of the most important people involved. With twelve of MLB.com’s top 30 Tigers prospects  such as Daz Cameron, Beau Burrows and Willi Castro are in Toledo, and more are on the way, with 10 in Double A Erie.

Doug Mientkiewicz, retired from playing in 2009. He would spend the 2012 season in the Los Angeles Dodgers system as the hitting coach with the Ogden Raptors. Mientkewicz then headed to the Twins minor league system in 2013, where he took helm of the Fort Myers Miracle for two years. He moved up to Double-A Chattanooga in 2015 before returning to Fort Myers in 2017. Compiling a 385-299 record in five seasons in the Twins organization, Mientkiewicz was let go as part of an organizational overhaul after that season. Yet, it is the Twins who freely admit they are where they are today because of the work Doug Mientkiewicz put in with top prospects.

Doug Mientkiewicz joined the Detroit Tigers organization last season. The team  liked him because of his baseball experience. Former players and current Twins all-star players gave Detroit a strong backing to Mientkiewicz.

Mientkiewicz felt great responsibility to develop what is now Minnesota Twins core players. He admits that he was very demanding and tough. “I wouldn’t let them breathe because I knew they were responsible for bringing respectful baseball back to that city,” Mientkiewicz said. “I always say, I don’t know if I’ll make you physically better, but I’ll make you mentally tougher, and that group was battle tested.”

The Detroit Tigers are looking for the same results from a manager that demands them. Doug Mientkiewicz is hope for a brighter tomorrow in Motown.

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Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman does not think you can “build a team through free agency”

Embed from Getty Images On April 19, 2019, Steve Yzerman was named general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. He outlined his plans for getting the Red Wings closer to competitive hockey again. Yzerman’s main theme was patience. Given the salary cap room the Detroit Red Wings have fans and media were taken back.

When Ken Holland was overseer of the Detroit hockey team, he did believe in the draft to a certain degree. Holland also had no issue with trading draft picks for proven NHL talent.  For a rebuilding team draft picks are a premium.

This year the Detroit Red Wings have 6 picks in the 2019 NHL draft. Steve Yzerman further detailed his plans and thoughts as to how to build a solid team. “The draft is so important. You have to acquire your talent some way. To do it through unrestricted free agency, you’re not going to build a team that way. At least I don’t think you can build a team that way.”

YES! Red Wings fans should rejoice. Yzerman is dead right. To build a team, a team that will have sustainable success it must be done by building the core players. Not throwing money at players and hoping they can get you to the playoffs.

Then Yzerman showed why he is one of the very best general managers in sports today when he gave one of his secrets away, “I’ve never used free agency to make a splash. I’m not trying to make a splash, I’m trying to build a good team.”

Detroit fans and media need to come to an understanding, Just because there is cap space available does not mean it has to be spent. At least not right away. It is okay to hold onto the cap space. Yzerman is so good at what he does because he and his scouts collectively and selectively improve the team as needed. When he was general manager in Tampa Bay, as good as the Lightning are, Yzerman never went for a big name on the open market.

One thing that must be made clear is Steve Yzerman has never had a problem trading players. That includes big name players and fan favorite players. Remember the Red Wings legend said that he is trying to build a good team. That means anything and anyone goes. Sure the Red Wings have a couple “untouchables.” Dylan Larkin and Filip Zadina are two players that will not go anywhere.

However, Anthony Mantha and others are fair game. If the return is greater than the player, Yzerman will make a move. Given his tract record, his team will be better and Yzerman will not bat an eye.

This is what has come to Hockeytown.