Saunders' substitution pattern baffles reserves
On most NBA teams, it might classify as full-fledged frustration.
On the Pistons, the grumbles coming from the bench players are laced with understanding and acceptance.
More than anything, they're happy the team is winning, with a 13-2 record being the best in the NBA. But they also admit they're often baffled by coach Flip Saunders' rotations.
Sometimes forward Antonio McDyess plays with the starters, as he did Saturday against the Chicago Bulls. Other nights, he plays only with the reserves. Sometimes he's the first player off the bench. Other days, that honor goes to Carlos Arroyo or Maurice Evans.
Sometimes game situations call for one thing, like Dale Davis' physical play inside. Saunders will say as much before a game -- only to leave Davis on the bench.
"It's a tough position right now because we don't know really what to expect," said Evans, a swingman. "It just makes it hard to be as productive as possible when you really don't know what your minutes are going to be like."
But Evans added: "The thing is, we're winning, and no one wants to look like they're not happy. I really am happy that we're winning.
"Certain nights it's even better when we can be productive. I just want to know what to expect so I know how I can help the team."
Even if they're not always sure of the rotation, their complaints come with asterisks.
Davis signed as an unrestricted free agent, thinking he'd be a regular contributor off the bench. He has played 13 minutes over three games, but he's the picture of professionalism.
"Of course I want to play. I'm not happy about not playing," he said. "But at the same time, we're winning and showing success and you know, I know I'll get an opportunity to do what I can to contribute."
Still, the substitution patterns make it hard for the reserves to establish a rhythm. McDyess is slowly finding his way in Saunders' offense, and the 28 minutes he played Saturday helped.
"I was surprised, I was definitely surprised," said McDyess, who scored 10 points in a 92-79 victory at the United Center. "I didn't know what was wrong with Ben (Wallace), but (Saunders) kept me out there."
Part of the problem might be that Saunders differs from former coach Larry Brown, who set substitution patterns and rarely deviated.
"We never know who is going in or who is going out," McDyess said of Saunders' strategy. "Sometimes he'll put Darko (Milicic) in or Carlos in before us, and sometimes we get in in the second quarter. It's kind of different, but we just have to get used to it and be prepared."
And how do you do that?
"You play 82 games," McDyess said, "you'll get used to it."
Saunders' substitution pattern baffles reserves
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