Ì haven't watched the preseason games, but in the preseason thread Max i repeatedly called a beast and his stats have been pretty nice.
But how is his game? Rebounding, stealing and shotblocking is nice, but is he a good roation defender, a good man to man defender. Does he have any post moves or maybe a jumper?
And will this guy see any time when the season starts? McDyes, Nazr and Sheed might eat up most of the minutes and at best leave 10-15 minutes for Max?
Maxiell, at this point, is a player who uses raw athleticism and strength rather than skill. He's killer on the offensive boards, but I don't think he gets enough defensive rebounds (offensive rebounds are good because they amount to tip-ins and second chance shots, which is a big part of his offense, but both are important). Offensively, he's great at drawing contact and getting to the free throw line, but his game isn't that developed. Defensively, he brings a lot of intensity and is a good leaper, which lets him get his blocks, but he is short for a power forward. He does have enough strength to keep players out of the post, though.
Thing is, he basically won't get major burn this year unless someone goes down. Nazr/Sheed/McDyess all make up a strong frontcourt. Nazr might be saddled with foul trouble early in a game, but McDyess would be the first one off the bench in that case.
I can see Max getting 15 minutes a night( I hope so) he has done nothing but bust his hump this preseason and his work ethic and all out hustle is great to see.
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Dont hate me cause Im beautiful...Hate your folks cause you're not!!!
Jason has been great the one great difference you see about jason rather than other players trying to get playing time is that it seems like he really wants to be there and does everything that he can to be there
With one exhibition left, some things are becoming clear for the Pistons.
Jason Maxiell, for one, looks to be a lock to be the fourth big man in the rotation behind Nazr Mohammed, Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess.
"Once again, Maxey impressed," said coach Flip Saunders, after Maxiell contributed 21 points and eight rebounds in the Pistons' impressive 101-94 victory Tuesday over the Washington Wizards. "He was a beast out there. He plays with a reckless abandon. He does a great job of fronting the post, he rebounded, he got out and altered some shots. Throughout the preseason, I can't think of one thing I've been disappointed in with him."
It was the second straight game Maxiell has posted 21 points and eight rebounds.
"I don't pay attention to the numbers," Maxiell said. "I just try to leave it on the court, no matter what."
Veteran center Dale Davis was expected to be the fourth big man this season, but he continues to be hampered by an injured left hamstring. Davis said there was a good chance he would not be ready to start the season.
The fourth big man didn't see a lot of action last season, but Saunders admitted Tuesday that it would be difficult to keep Maxiell off the floor. Maxiell, though, is not taking anything for granted.
"That's up to Flip," he said. "He knows I will play hard every second I am on the floor. I will just leave it at that."
A couple of other loose ends seemed to get tied up Tuesday. Saunders held out starters Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Wallace for several reasons.
Saunders wanted to jump-start a struggling Carlos Delfino by using him as the primary scoring option for a long stretch. Saunders did that, playing Delfino for the first 34 minutes.
"He told me (Monday) that he was tired," Saunders said. "So I decided to play him a lot. I didn't give him time to think about it."
Delfino responded with a double-double (13 points, 12 rebounds), plus six assists and four steals.
"I think that will help (his confidence) a little bit," Saunders said. "He was able to play through some things and he did a good job. He made plays."
Saunders also wanted to give Flip Murray a long look at the point guard position. Murray responded with 14 points and eight assists. Murray most likely will be the Pistons' third point guard.
"He's going to be important," Saunders said. "With him out there, we will be able to play Chauncey off the ball some. It gives us a chance to use one of our best spot-up shooters on the wing."
Lindsey Hunter, the backup point guard, made his presence felt, as well. He scored 10 points and sparked a 27-18 second quarter after the Pistons had fallen behind by 18 points in the first.
"Overall, it was a very productive game," Saunders said.
The Pistons, 5-2, will finish the exhibition season tonight against Memphis.
Definitely, though when I don't know. I also do think his condition is ideal for being a bench guy. He can't do his power plays for 30 minutes a game. It would be quite an accomplishment to be able to play like that so time. If he can get there in the future he's going to be one hell of a physical specimen. Well, he already is, but this would be more amazing.
__________________ Amir Johnson will be better than Al Horford
As it stands now, Maxiell seems to be suited to a role off the bench for 15 or so minutes, bringing in defensive intensity (and mismatches), offensive rebounds (leading to putbacks), and shot blocking. He should get more time when his offensive game matures. One step at a time, though, I'd like to see his preseason numbers translate to the regular season first.
__________________ Rick Adelman on Danny Fortson...
"Fortson, that's all he does - makes free throws and pushes."
Danny Fortson in reference to the anonymous Sonic who tattle taled to the Seattle-Times...
"I think somebody on this team might have girlish characteristics that need to be turned into a man. Because if we're going to win, we need warriors. We don't need girls. Girls are for the dance team."
Fortson also said "he wouldn't doubt it" if there were a gay player in the NBA but hopes he's not a Sonic.
"That would be a bad deal," Fortson said. "He might want to keep that one in the closet."
Maxiell - more than a mad dog?
