Pistons Preseason Presser

[ballsohard]

Balls O'Hard: Good morning everyone and welcome to the Pistons preseason presser. I'd like to get some formalities out of the way. First, Congratulations to the Chicago Bulls on winning a championship this season. Their team was very impressive and their hard work paid off. Second, congrats to the New Orleans Pelican for beating us in Round 1 of the playoffs. Last I'd like to thank the fellow GMs of the league for voting for me as GMOY. I don't feel extremely deserving, however I graciously accept the award on behalf of my team and will continue working hard to propel this team forward.

Balls O'Hard: A lot has changed since I've taken over the reigns as the General manager. One key element I wanted to change immediately was changing the losers mindset in Detroit. To stop thinking about "winning" the lottery and start being in the talk for contenders. To stop blaming others for our luck and add accountability. It's been a short two season and we've gone from a team with a few young potential guys to a team locked and loaded for the playoffs who should be able to weather any storm.

Balls O'Hard: Change isn't easy and it doesnt always come quick. We've learned that the last two seasons. We've been knocked out of round one in disappointing fashion. We're still putting the puzzle pieces together, but we've got the pieces now. Last season we made the decision to move on from the Wolfman acquiring Luka Doncic in a trade and we had some fit issues in learning how and where to use him. We think we've worked that out this offseason. And are ready to go.

Balls O'Hard:As far as expectations, if you haven't caught wind of things, we expect to be competing for a championship. That's not lip service to help sell season tickets, it's realistic expectations for our group that i think we can achieve. With that i'll open the floor to questions.

[NOLa.]

Some GMs were shocked at the contract Elisha Davis received from you this UFA. Do you feel he hasn't gotten to showcase his talents in a stacked roster to prove the contract, and when it comes time to rebuild do you feel he's a player you'll keep around?

[ballsohard]

Some GMs were shocked at the contract Elisha Davis received from you this UFA. Do you feel he hasn't gotten to showcase his talents in a stacked roster to prove the contract, and when it comes time to rebuild do you feel he's a player you'll keep around?

Hey great question. I actually found that thought pretty perplexing. We thought Davis came at a discount to us. Davis is an elite defender , solid rebounder, and a good jump shooter. We’re going to give Davis a shot to start the season at the 4 and allow defense to be the bedrock to our team.

In terms of keeping him around through a rebuild- I don’t think it would be fair for Davis if we start selling chips to keep him around so I’d imagine we’d work on putting him in a winning situation


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[false9]

You've made your championship aspirations clear, but your core remains mostly the same. What tactical decisions will be different from last season that you think will make that championship difference?

[ballsohard]

You've made your championship aspirations clear, but your core remains mostly the same. What tactical decisions will be different from last season that you think will make that championship difference?

Great question and I think it boils down to two major elements.

First, Last year health was a major factor so I had to figure how to insulate the team if it happens again. The injuries and trades really prevented us frFrom finding a lineup that worked best. The depth on this team is unmatched to anything g the Pistons franchise has seen in a long time if ever.

Additionally I think with all of our scorers we wanted to make the offense work as the mainstay- I think this year we’re going going to go all in on defense.

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: You're starting the season out with the highest salary on the books in league history. Granted, not everyone's going to make it past trade deadline, but how much salary do you think you can cut while still remaining in the title conversation?

[Keepit100]

In a conference with Finals MVP Silky Johnson and an All-League talent like David Leiker on two of your biggest rivals, how do you see Gregory Haddock/Glenn Irvine handling the defensive end of the PG position this season?

[greepleairport]

Your team is indeed pretty stacked. If you start Elisha at the 4 this year, where you've been starting Cobb, where do you move Cobb? Actually, what's your starting 5 look like?

[ballsohard]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: You're starting the season out with the highest salary on the books in league history. Granted, not everyone's going to make it past trade deadline, but how much salary do you think you can cut while still remaining in the title conversation?

The tax is always a concern but we go in realizing that we probably will owe in 2 seasons. So it’s not the biggest concern for us. I’d say in terms of trimming salary - we probably can move one of our bigs and one of our guards depending on health.

[ballsohard]

In a conference with Finals MVP Silky Johnson and an All-League talent like David Leiker on two of your biggest rivals, how do you see Gregory Haddock/Glenn Irvine handling the defensive end of the PG position this season?

One way to look at it is like you’re viewing it, the other is that their best defenders will be on non options on offense which I think can be used as an advantage!

[ballsohard]

Your team is indeed pretty stacked. If you start Elisha at the 4 this year, where you've been starting Cobb, where do you move Cobb? Actually, what's your starting 5 look like?

The lineup will be pretty fluid I’m guessing. If I get it right on the first try this is what I’m thinking


C - Hunter
PF- Davis
SF- Cobb
SG- Luka who will split time at the 1
PG- Haddock

Super sub- William Jackson

[AngryBanana]

Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News: with you staring that Jackson will come off the bench, do you plan on using him at PG any with his low handling rating?


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[ballsohard]

Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News: with you staring that Jackson will come off the bench, do you plan on using him at PG any with his low handling rating?


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No - Luka, Irvine And Menendez fill the pg slot. I don’t see Jackson playing there.


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