Tracy McGrady has been nothing but a small blimp on the NBA radar for quite some time now. Those of us who loved his game hated watching him fade away. We hated it even more when he would resurface only to immediately sink again.

It finally got to the point that T Mac was more like a buoy than the NBA superstar player who caused every0one to sit up their seats once a stadium announcer introduced his name.

Would that player ever resurface, or would he remain in limbo, like a buoy?

It ironically, and unfortunately, took an injury to Rodney Stuckey for McGrady to get some starts and the minutes to show that he still has what it takes to be a premier player with a member of the Detroit Pistons.

It appears McGrady’s game has undergone an evolution of sorts, arguably for the better, that as the starting point guard in Detroit he’s been extremely effective in as a distributor and less of a scorer. Perhaps his loss of a step has caused him to see passing creases he used to ignore in the past.

On January 3rd against the Utah Jazz McGrady fell one rebound shy of recording a triple double. He finished with 11 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds, marking the best performance of his 2010-11 season thus far.

Is the Tracy McGrady revival in session? (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)

T Mac continued to rekindle his ball handling skills and managed to commit only 1 turnover in 34 minutes on the road against a tough Jerry Sloan coached Utah defense.

If McGrady can finally, and I mean FINALLY stay healthy, he is  (knock on wood again just for the heck of it) on the path to reviving and reinventing his game as a 6’8″ point guard.

Not to dig on Rodney Stuckey, but Stuckey has proven to be ineffective at scoring around the basket, and even though he has increased his free throw attempts and is scoring about the same amount of points 16.3 PPG this year versus 16.6 in 2009-10) while shooting the ball four times less per game, it appears that the Pistons must have more McGrady, even if at the expense of Stuckey, in order to be more competitive.

It makes complete sense that Stuckey hypothetically could be better suited to play the shooting guard position, and allow Ben Gordon to play a Vinnie “Microwave” Johnson role, and scorch second units. If not Gordon, perhaps Stuckey.

The bottom line is if McGrady can play anywhere near the way he did prior to 2008, he must be rewarded as many minutes as possible.

Regardless of what happens with John Kuester’s Detroit Pistons and the mercurial relationships between him and his players, it’s truly splendid to finally see T Mac playing meaningful basketball.

Watching T Mac transform his game into a more complete player at the point guard is just an added bonus.

Rodney Stuckey of the Detroit Pistons collapsed after suffering from a seizure during a timeout with 2:30 remaining in the 3rd quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to television commentators, Stuckey experienced a “violent seizure” and according to those who watched as it happened, it was a very serious and frightening matter.

The game ceased for 12 minutes as medical staff members who were on the scene treated him. He left the arena on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask, and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and testing.

Stuckey missed 2 games earlier this season in November because he experienced dizziness, which, after the seizure tonight, likely could have been the precursor to this seizure. It is hard to imagine the two occasions are unrelated.

Stuckey is the future of the Detroit Pistons. (Credit: picapp.com)

If these occurrences are related, which makes more sense then them not, it blows my mind that the testing and monitoring of Stuckey’s health didn’t probe deeply enough to find any potential future health problems or risks that might have caused this.

The scarier question to ask is whether or not doctors possessed knowledge of such risks for Stuckey but allowed him to play anyway. Even worse is the possibility that doctors simply didn’t fully grasp the seriousness or true natureof his condition until now.

Stuckey is unquestionably the face of the Pistons franchise moving into the future. He is your ideal guard, standing 6’5″ and 205, possessing the ability to score and distribute. He is also considered the least likely Piston to be traded, as Joe Dumars absolutely loves him.

One thing is certain for the Pistons future: this matter is very serious, and the future is murky at best right now.

I sincerely wish my best to Stuckey and his family and my thoughts and prayers go out to them. I hope that Stuckey receives the proper medical care and treatment he needs to full recovery and that he can make his way back on the court after doing so.

For our 7^th installment of NBA Look-Alike Morphings we are responding to an email written by reader Kevin Kleimo. After considering his request, we decided to morph Stuckey with 50 Cent. He also mentioned Kanye West, but we felt Kanye was better suited for Baron Davis.

That morphing will be coming soon…..

Hmmmm, twins?

Even before the morphing, these guys look a lot alike. Just look at this picture  for a few seconds, and it becomes rather apparent that this morphing is definitely on point with the “look alike” aspect of the morphing process.

I wanna make 50 Cent money!

Rodney Stuckey is a rising star for the rebuilding Detroit Pistons. Now that elder statesmen Billups, Wallace, and McDyess have departed, the weight of the Pistons future is being placed on Stuckey.

Stuckey is making decent cash as an NBA baller, and will be playing for a larger contract this season while earning $1.8 Million dollars this year.

However, his counterpart in this morphing has him flat out beaten when it comes to the big bucks. When we say beaten, we mean as in he could hypothetically buy the Pistons if he chose to.

Curtis James Jackson III aka 50 Cent has gone from slinging drugs to slinging over 21 million copies of his records. He currently owns his own record label, G-Unit Records.

The Midas touch baby! No Stuckey money here! (Credit: cdn.sheknows.com)

He has something similar to the Midas touch.  50 has appeared in a few major motion pictures, and is quite the entrepreneur,  having launched ventures in anything ranging from Vitamin Water to condoms.

Everything he is involved with is ultimately quite successful.

We now bring to you NBA morphing #7: Rodney Stuckey with 50 Cent. Cheers to Kevin Kleimo for his recommendation.  Enjoy!

Click here to see all of Protect the Paints NBA Look-ALike Morphings

Have a NBA look alike comparison that you would like to see us morph? Please submit the form below or mail morphing@protectthepaint.com to submit!
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This Wednesday, Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva came to Detroit and became the first NBA free agent “signees” of the summer. New Piston Gordon will make $55 million over 5 years, while Villanueva will net $40 million over the same span.

We mentioned/predicted in our story earlier this week, 2009 NBA Free Agents: Cap Space Talks Or The Free Agents Walk that Gordon would be a great fit if he were to land in Detroit. Protect the Paint will now take a deeper look into the pros and cons of what these signings will do for the Pistons.

PROS:

Signing Gordon and Villanueva delivers two potent scorers to the Detroit roster. We stated in our previous free agency story that Rodney Stuckey and Gordon  are a great 1-2 punch. Gordon has a career 21.3 ppg average, and Stuckey’s game is improving. With Iverson departed, Stuckey should return to the player he was prior to AI’s arrival.

Ben Gordon needs to improve his shot selection in Detroit (Credit: smackenergybar.com)

Ben Gordon is 26 and in his prime.  He gives the Pistons more offense, but is it that different than what they had with Allen Iverson? We assume he will start, but if he doesn’t, he comes off the bench spelling either Rip Hamilton or Stuckey. Gordan has a knack for scoring points in bunches. His defense is a different story.

Villanueva averaged 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds last season but those numbers are actually quite deceiving. Villanueva’s true scoring average when starting was 17.7 ppg, with 7.3 rpg, 2 apg, adding nearly a steal and a block per contest. If he learns to suppress his lust for the three-pointer, he will become a far more effective offensive player. He can increase his point and rebound totals as a result of positioning himself closer to the basket.

Villanueva, 24, is on the cusp of entering his prime. He should immediately start for the Pistons and will pose trouble for the opposition as the 3rd or 4th scoring option.

The two players are both solid free throw shooters, and have little flaws in their offensive talents, other than shot selection.

CONS

Charlie Villanueva needs to attack the rim more for Detroit (Credit: blair.edu)

Villanueva is amongst the worst defenders in the NBA at the power forward position. During a recent chat with NBA statistics guru Haralabos Voulgaris, he stated,

“He (Villanueva) is the worst PF defender in the league by a longshot”.

Villanueva’s adjusted plus minus confirms Haralabos’ statement.

After much belaboring in Milwaukee by Scott Skiles, Villanueva did slightly improve his defense during some stretches. Time will only tell if this trend continues. The Bucks were extremely short on players because of injuries, so it’s fair to wonder if Skiles–often disgusted by his defensive efforts–would have given him so many minutes if the Bucks’ injury situation had been different.

We witnessed Gordon’s major flaw in the playoffs versus the Boston Celtics last season. Gordon has a habit of trying to force the offense, resulting in quick, low percentage shots. This hurt Gordon’s Bulls against the Celtics during the Eastern Conference 1st round game 7.

Gordon's judgment and shooting skills vanished in game 7 (Credit: ESPN)

Gordon’s poor shot selection during the 4th quarter allowed the Celtics more  possessions late in that deciding game (not to mention other key moments of the series). The Celtics then capitalized by converting multiple free throws to seal the win.

Moral of the story: Ben Gordon is not a clutch player and you could make the case the Bulls will be a much better team without him. The power struggle for the basketball between Gordon and Derrick Rose hurt the Bulls all year.

Additionally, Gordon (who you could call one-dimensional) has a long way to go defensively. His lack of height at the two-guard position will cause him problems defending the larger shooting guards in the league. The firing of defensive-minded Michael Curry indicates a new style of play in Detroit will be integrated for the upcoming season.

SYNOPSIS:

Ultimately, Gordon and Villanueva are talented, young offensive-minded players who will add to a lineup with their athleticism and ability to score.

Stuckey, Gordon, Hamilton, Tayshuan Prince, Villanueva, and Jason Maxiell comprise a solid core moving forward. If players like Maxiell, Rip and Prince can compensate for Gordon and Villanueva’s defensive inadequacies, making a low-seed playoff push is realistic. Of course, this will be dependant upon who Dumars hires as head coach.

Anyone escaping the doldrums of Milwaukee must feel as if they have a new lease on life. But that does not indicate that it will be a new lease on new defensive desires. Hopefully Detroit’s core can help Villanueva accelerate this development. If not, it could mean a trip back to the lottery.

We here at Protect the Paint must ask: What is Joe Dumars’  vision for the future direction of the Pistons?

Dumars succeeded early in his tenure as GM, but last year he traded away Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson and  it failed miserably. Having Kwame Brown on the roster additionally tarnishes his track record. The 2003 drafting of Darko Milcic immediately indicates a trend that for every good move he’s made, Dumars also has the capacity to blow it.

Milicic is the symbol of Joe Dumars' bad management decisions (Credit: ESPN)

Will anyone ever forget the Darko selection?

Iverson could replace Darko as the symbol of Dumars' mistakes (Credit: mlive.com)

Can Gordon and Villanueva  eventually make Detroit fans forget about the Iverson trade?

Will Villanueva and Gordon learn to defend and use better shot selection?

There are too many unknowns to have a positive reflection on the outcome of these signings. We will have to see who coaches this team and what demands (most specifically on defense) he makes on the newest employees of the Motor City.

This summer marks the continuation of major spending reform (and not for the better) in the NBA. The Vince Carter, Shaquille O’Neal, and Richard Jefferson deals exemplify that liquidating huge contracts for scrap (or crap) heaps, and aiming to win it all now, is THE popular trend–the rich getting richer. Ben Gordon, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Kidd, and many other free agents will land large deals, but who can afford to pay them?

Teams are preparing for next summer by dangling expiring contracts via trade to desperate teams.  Assessing the chances to land a marquee name–LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobili–in 2010 is becoming commonplace, and as a result unthinkable trades are being made.

But let’s not forget, there is top-notch talent available this summer, and Protect the Paint will now evaluate who we think the most relevant free agent is for the teams with the most spending power. Lets face it, money talks, or else the free agent walks.

The teams with the most cap space are:

1. Memphis ($18 mil)
2. Detroit ($16.6 mil)
3. Atlanta ($14.8 mil)
4. Oklahoma City ($14.7 mil)

Other teams with significant room are:

1. Utah ($9.2 mil)
2. Portland ($8.1 mil)
3. Miami ($6.7 mil).

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Memphis is going to need every penny they have if they hope to lure a major free agent to play for the Grizzlies. We’re talking about a small market team and a perennial losing franchise. It is doubtful any free agent of substance would be willing go there. What’s the draw? Don’t say Mark Gasol. Beale Street is pretty nice though.

Whoever Memphis signs, they will likely pay more than that player’s true market value. Additional revenue is the only thing luring a player to the Grizzlies. The only destination less attractive may be Milwaukee where Brandon Jennings hardly looks (or sounds) like a savior.

BIGGEST NEED: New Location. If the Grizzlies were located in a larger market, we’ve got to believe more players would consider playing there. Until then, have your checkbook ready Griz. They do have the money to offer Hedo Turkoglu a salary he could not refuse. The combo of Turkoglu, OJ Mayo, and Rudy Gay is solid yet entirely unrealistic.

DETROIT PISTONS

Wednesday’s breaking news of head coach Michael Curry being fired implies Joe Dumars wants to insure free agents will want to come to Detroit. It is well documented that Curry ruffled more than just one player’s feathers. Apparently, Dumars plans to let Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace walk.

Iverson and Wallace are in the twilight of their careers, and locking either one of them into a long-term deal makes absolutely zero sense when the Pistons are building around Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince. Acquiring a third scoring option who is entering/closer to his prime is what Detroit needs.

Gordon's offensive skills would help Detroit (Credit: chi-ball.com)

GREATEST NEED: Ben Gordon or Hedo Turkoglu. Ben Gordon is ideal for Detroit. He is a young, capable scorer who would give the Pistons a solid trio of offensive weapons to build a bright future around. Turkoglu might not make sense with Rip Hamilton and Stuckey already there, but he is a major factor why Orlando went to the finals and the Pistons can afford him.

ATLANTA HAWKS

After recently acquiring Jamal Crawford from Golden State, it raises questions if Atlanta will re-sign Mike Bibby. Crawford gives Atlanta another 4th quarter scoring threat, easing the defensive pressure on Joe Johnson.

Atlanta can let 30-year-old Bibby walk, and re-sign key reserves Zaza Pachulia and Flip Murray. Retaining Pachulia gives Atlanta depth in the post, which is a necessity for playoff basketball.

Will Childress play another year in Greece? (Credit: lowposts.com)

GREATEST NEED: Keeping what they already have (re-signing Pachulia and Murray). These two players are too valuable and affordable not to re-sign and the Hawks need to save their coin for Johnson who can opt out next summer. Josh Childress returning from Greece would give them back-court flexibility.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

OKC cannot afford to spend too much on a major free agent. The Thunder need to spend frugally in order to retain the core of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook. It is an unconditional must. This being said, signing a mid-level free agent would be the wise move for OKC and there are several available. One in particular would fit nicely with the Thunder’s nucleus.

Millsap would thrive playing with the Thunder (Credit: deseretnews.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Paul Millsap would immediately add a tough rebounding presence and the blue-collar attitude that the young Thunder need. Adding Millsap makes the playoffs a possibility, especially considering Yao Ming’s injury in Houston puts the Rockets 2010 playoff hopes in major jeopardy opening up a spot for another Western Conference team. Millsap gives any team he’s on many second (and often third) chance opportunities on the offensive end. If Boozer opts out of Utah, then expect the Jazz to match any offer made on Millsap.

UTAH JAZZ

The Jazz faced potential free agency disaster, but both Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have decided against opting out and will stay. Luckily for Utah, Boozer’s injury-plagued 2008-09 season and lingering questions of his ability to stay healthy is most likely all that prevented him from bailing and receiving a large offer elsewhere. Does he care about money more than winning? He did bail on LeBron. That should answer that question.

Okur–a big man who can shoot–must believe his best chance for another title (he won a ring in Detroit) lies in Salt Lake City.

Mehmet Okur won't abandon the Jazz. (Credit: nba.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Staying healthy. A healthy Jazz are as good as any team in the NBA. Re-signing Milsap as insurance for the fragile Boozer would be huge, but chances are good a team with more cap room will nab him.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Portland is a young team on the rise. They made the playoffs, and in doing so, exposed their greatest weakness.  Depending on which players they decide to retain the rights to, they could go as far as $15-30 million under the cap. They will not advance past the 1st round with Steve Blake as the starting PG. The Blazers have a solid leader in two time All-Star Brandon Roy, but they need a savvy veteran who can bring the ball up court.

Andre Miller is a massive ugrade to Steve Blake (Credit: ESPN)

BIGGEST NEED: Andre Miller or Jason Kidd. Miller would instantly bring leadership and make Portland a title contender as the Blazers mature. Miller has a lot of game left in the tank, and with $8 million to spend in cap space, they could afford to sign him.

With Jason Kidd coordinating the offense, there is no telling where the Blazers could go. Odds are Kidd remains in Dallas or signs with the New York Knicks. Kidd is already in New York and ready to begin negotiations.

MIAMI HEAT

Miami obviously has no interest in spending any money this summer. Their top priority is re-signing Dwyane Wade. The irony might end up being that in not making moves to secure talent around Wade they may lose him. Wade has made it abundantly clear in the media that he wants players provided for him now, not later. What Miami really needs is a low post presence. A solid center would immediately seal up a lot of loose ends for the Heat.

Marcin Gortat can start and make a difference in MIami (Credit: pablonasportowo)

BIGGEST NEED: Marcin Gortat or Anderson Varejao. With Orlando recently acquiring Vince Carter, Orlando will have trouble matching offers for Gortat. With Cleveland making the O’Neal trade they have no chance of paying Varajao the money he wants. Gortat has proven to be a solid performer when filling in for foul-prone Dwight Howard, and could be an affordable solution to fill the void in the middle in Miami. Varejao’s athleticism and defensive prowess might be the better move for Miami. He can give them what last year Jermaine O’Neal couldn’t.