Let me preface this with the following statement: Joe Dumars can do no wrong for me, not when he was a player and not as a GM.
When you watch a Pistons home game the camera usually ends up on Dumars, once, maybe twice a game. The same, cold as ice expression exudes from his face, similar to the expression Doyle Brunson or Phil Ivey exhibit when they’re taking all of your chips.
He remains stoic and calculating in his demeanor, and there’s a quiet confidence about him, the kind that gives you the impression that he’s always five steps ahead of you.
He tells it how it is, doesn’t make trades for the sake of making them, and best of all hasn’t used the “rebuilding” excuse to death the way many of the leagues more incompetent GM’s often do. I live in Philadelphia, and by my estimation we’ve been “rebuilding” the 76’ers longer than it took the Egyptian’s to build The Great Pyramid of Giza.
With everything Dumars has done as GM of the Pistons organization, he may be remembered more notably for the misfortune of drafting Darko Milicic 2nd overall in the 2003 NBA Draft.
I still think about it constantly, not so much about Joe Dumar’s reputation, the fans including myself have certainly forgiven him for that. With that said, I still can’t help but wonder, just how great would the Pistons be if they hadn’t drafted Darko? Who would they’ve taken instead, and which player would’ve ultimately been the best fit?
I went back to the 2003 draft to search for some answers.
*(Assume the move to acquire Rasheed Wallace in 2004 was inevitable.)*
Carmelo Anthony-No. 3 selected overall.
Why this could’ve worked-Anthony was arguably the most proven player in the draft. He attended the prestigious Oak Hill Academy, and then went on to Syracuse University where he helped win their first and only National Championship.
He also plays better when surrounded by other talented players. That may seem like a bone-headed obvious statement, but not every player fits into that category.
5 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Sno Sno about 1 year ago
Hey, just wanted to let you know that the Pistons were indeed looking to take Bosh if Darko hadn't of been there. I can't remember the reason why, but Darko had to get some kind of permission to enter the draft because of his age. And at that time, the Pistons were looking at Bosh.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
This is a good, funny, insightful article. I, too, tend to think Bosh would have been the best fit, though admittedly, if anyone knew what Wade as to become, he is the obvious choice, regardless of trying to fit him into the system, i.e. - either where Billups or Rip plays. Melo to me was a headcase, although I didn't realize that in his one year at 'Cuse, ending up in a title. Also, I really do like Prince's versatility and Defense. Bosh makes sense as well, but his game seems to kind of be stagnating at this point. He isn't particularly strong or a great inside player, more of a face up guy from what I have seen. Still like him though. Darko is the sad son...as much as I love JD, his draft record isn't the greatest. He missed the boat on Cleaves, Delfino, Rodney White, etc. I like Maxey, but don't think he will ever be more than he is now...a contributor but never with great consistency. Pessimistic I know. Afflalo was a good choice but kinda safe I thought. Also bear in mind, that they way the Darko saga worked out, getting the pick back form Memphis...Darko essentially is Rodney Stuckey, so maybe, maybe, there is still hope.
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David Leney about 1 year ago
Thanks for commenting. I didn't even think about Rodney Stuckey, good point.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Just went to the Clips game on Sat, and Stuckey is definitely a rook. He makes some great plays (a nice lefty lay-in, a steal here or there) but also, seems to really struggle shooting the ball so far...what is he, 35-37% or so? Thats a big dissappointment, hand aside. 43% is baseline acceptable, 46+ is desired. Time will tell...but wow, does Darko suck, or what? I can't believe how bad JD and crew missed on that one (I'm talking to YOU, Chad Ford!)
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David Leney about 1 year ago
It really is a shame, but then again who knew?
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