The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast

For the start of the new season, Jordan Bellant and Ben Gulker are bringing you a full preview of the Eastern Conference. 

Jordan and Ben invite a guest to discuss each division in the conference. On for the Southeast Division is Jacob Kuyvenhoven, frequent contributor on DBB. 

The Southeast starts with the Orlando Magic (2:40). Unlike the Atlantic, the bottom teams in the Southeast might actually be competitive and worthy of playoff consideration. 

The fourth team in the Southeast is the Miami Heat (20:25). Could the Heat copy what the Blazers did last season (24:00)? 

Moving on to the top three teams in the Southeast, it starts with the Wizards (36:05). 

The Hawks come in at #2 in the division, with the guys giving them a shot at the top spot (50:20).

The Charlotte Hornets check in as the top team in our Southeast Preview (1:06:40). Jacob and Ben share their reasons to be optimistic about the Hornets. 

The Detroit Bad Boys Podcast is a part of the SB Nation site, Detroit Bad Boys. Subscribe on iTunes and find archived episodes on Blog Talk Radio. For more information, go to DetroitBadBoys.com/Detroit-Pistons-Podcast

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The NBA season is right around the corner! For the start of the new season, Jordan Bellant and Ben Gulker are bringing you a full preview of the Eastern Conference. 

 

Jordan and Ben invite a guest to discuss each division in the conference. On for the Atlantic Division is Lazarus “Lazchance” Jackson, frequent contributor on DBB. Each team is discussed in detail: Best and worst case scenarios, most important and most intriguing player, firing up the Trade Machine, “Rank the Coach,” and each franchise’s top storyline. Finally, playoff odds and win totals. 

 

The preview starts with the worst team in the Atlantic, the Philadelphia 76ers (3:50). In fourth place is the Brooklyn Nets (20:20), a team that has nothing to gain (or lose) by losing. Third in the Atlantic is the New York Knicks (32:50). Following the Knicks, it’s a fight for the Atlantic Division crown. Starting with the Celtics (49:10), Ben and Laz agree that Boston is just a step behind the Raptors. After offering up the Celtics, the episode closes with the favorite to win the Atlantic, the Toronto Raptors (1:03:10). 

 

The Detroit Bad Boys Podcast is a part of the SB Nation site, Detroit Bad Boys. Subscribe on iTunes and find archived episodes on Blog Talk Radio. For more information, go to DetroitBadBoys.com/Detroit-Pistons-Podcast

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This episode will help give you your offseason NBA fix! Jordan and Ben are joined by Jacob Kuyvenhoven to review the Pistons offseason, breakdown the Pistons roster, and look at the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Starting with the NBA Draft, Jacob helps set expectations for rookie Michael Gbinije and his possible early role with the Pistons. Plus, what does signing Jon Leuer mean for Henry Ellenson's future in Detroit.

After looking at the rookies, Ben and Jacob talk about the free agents brought in by Van Bower. Starting with Jon Leuer, what do we like and expect from him in Motown. Plus, what his signing means for forwards Marcus Morris and Tobias Harris. Then, the trio swoons over big man Boban! An advanced stats darling, what are the Pistons getting? Having two former Spurs centers on the roster, how do they share time backing up Drummond? 

Following Ray McCallum's signing, it seems the roster is set. Everyone talks about what moves in the near future could improve the team. In that discussion, a mention of what players could be traded by the team. 

Then the attention turns from the Pistons to their Eastern Conference opponents. What teams improved this off-season? Better yet, it looks like many teams left us scratching our heads (looking at you, Orlando). So are the Pistons a 'lock' for the Playoffs? Jacob and Ben focus on the Pistons' ceiling and floor for the upcoming season.

The episode ends with a more in-depth look at the East and the NBA's newest super team. What does Kevin Durant's signing mean for the NBA title landscape? Can anyone stop the Warriors?

Find this episode and all past episodes of this podcast on iTunes and Blog Talk Radio. Just search 'Detroit Bad Boys' for a full archive and make sure to subscribe on iTunes. Visit the podcast's home at DetroitBadBoys.com

 

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Before the first day of free agency closed, Jordan and Ben Quagliata (aka Quags) got together to discuss all the insanity of the first day. Starting with a look at the market, the conversation quickly turns to the Pistons. Ben discusses both sides of Ish Smith, the good and the bad. Then the guys look at other free agent point guards, their deal and compares it to Ish. Did the Pistons panic? Could our team been in the market for Dellevadova or even Jerryd Bayless?

After looking at Ish, the conversation opens up to what (or who) is next for the Pistons. That means talking about the Al Horford rumors, the liklihood and what it would take to land Horford in Detroit. That also means a quick look at the team's cap space and players under contract. Is anyone worth losing for Horford? After looking at Horford, Ben and Jordan break down some less expensive and more realistic power forward options. 

Following the focus on the Pistons, Jordan turns to the Eastern Conference and Central Division. Quags talks about what teams got better, and what teams leave you scratching your head. The podcast finishes with a quick look at the Summer League! What should Pistons' fans expect and what do the guys want to see from players like Henry Ellenson and Stanley Johnson. 

Find this episode and all past episodes of this podcast on BlogTalkRadio.com and on iTunes. Subscribe to "Detroit Bad Boys" on iTunes to also find all future episodes, as soon as they are posted!

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The trio of Jordan Bellant, Steve Hinson, and Jacob Kuyvenhoven join forces to preview the NBA Draft! Focusing on the Pistons' picks at #18 and #49, the conversation starts with Steve explaining the team's strategy heading into the draft. It seems "Best Player Available" is Van Gundy's idea, Jacob explains why that might be best for the Pistons. 

Starting with the first round pick, Steve and Jacob each share the player they 'expect' the Pistons to take. Then, a conversation about the team's needs, including at the back-up point guard spot. If the Pistons look at making an immediate impact, what prospects should they target?

Then, all three share their favorite players for the Pistons in the first round. Including a few sleepers, international players and guys that might catch the attention of the Pistons' brass. 

After further dissecting specific players, Jordan asks the group "If the Pistons had the 3rd pick in the draft, who do you take?"

Find this episode and all past episodes of this podcast on BlogTalkRadio.com and on iTunes. Subscribe to "Detroit Bad Boys" on iTunes to also find all future episodes, as soon as they are posted!

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One day after the NBA Finals, Ben and Jordan get together to break down the Finals and World Champion Cavaliers. After working through 'how' the Cavaliers were able to beat the Warriors; Ben discusses how the Cavaliers can do it again. Jordan brings up Kevin Love's future, chemistry and the offseason for the Cavs. 

After talking about the Finals, the attention turns to the Pistons and free agency. Since free agency opens less than two weeks from now, Ben looks at the big needs for Detroit and what free agents fit those needs. Starting at the point guard position, Ben has targeted certain players that could fill the minutes behind Reggie Jackson. 

The conversation starts to evaluate the Pistons bench and roster heading into next season. What will it take for the Pistons to take "the next step?" Jordan mentions the Detroit Bad Boys Offseason Plan Project and his personal plan for the Pistons. Ben and Jordan examine the salary cap and what types of contracts the Pistons can afford.

After looking at wing players and potential back-up big men, Ben and Jordan close the episode with a shout-out to owner Tom Gores! This episode is the perfect way to get ready for the NBA offseason, only a few days before the NBA Draft!

Find this episode and all past episodes of this podcast on BlogTalkRadio.com and on iTunes. Subscribe to "Detroit Bad Boys" on iTunes to also find all future episodes, as soon as they are posted! Make sure to check out this podcast's home at DetroitBadBoys.com

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Jordan and Ben reunite right before Game 1 of the NBA Finals! Ben and Jordan each make their predictions for the Finals, with both giving their main storylines for the series. Then, Ben breaks down the Cavaliers and both take a chance to give credit to LeBron James. 

Then, the focus turns to the Pistons. After watching the Cavaliers dominate the Eastern Conference, should the Pistons feel better or worse after their series sweep? Even following the sweep, are the Pistons the top contenders next season to dethrone the Cavs? 

Ben mixes some cautious optimism about the Pistons future with pointed critiques of the curent roster. Jordan dives into some roster building, looking at what players need to do this off-season to help the team. Starting with Andre Drummond, a conversation on his game starts with a recent article by Drew Sharp. Questions remain about Drummond's game, but Ben comes to Andre's defense. 

The conversation turns to the off-season with more discussion on the team's needs. This is the perfect episode to wrap up the Pistons season and it ends with a perfect question: Was this season a success? What does success look like next season?

 

Find this podcast at DetroitBadBoys.com - SB Nation site and home to great Pistons content and NBA news. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and find a full archive of episodes at BlogTalkRadio.com

 

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Jordan is joined by Ben Gulker and Ben Quagliata for the last Detroit Bad Boys podcast before the end of the regular season! The Pistons sit at 42-37, only needing one win to secure their spot in the post-season. There are reasons to celebrate and to be cautious in Piston's optimism. 

The episode starts by discussing the team's recent play and preparing for the final three games of the season. Ben talks about the bench play; both Bens talk about Reggie Bullock over Stanley Johnson in the rotation. More than that, looking at how the team has played with only three games left on the season. 

Then the trio goes right into the mailbag. Answering a wide range of questions, from Stan Van as a Shakespearean character, to off-season free agent targets. Listen for the question we have all asked ourselves: Which way does the water flush in Australia? Is it really counter-clockwise? Our resident Aussie Ben Quagliata (did you know the 'G' is silent?) helps answer this and other hard-hitting questions. 

Finally, the episode ends on a pair of tangents. Ben Gulker discusses defending point guards and Reggie Jackson's role defensively. Then, Quags brings up the Pistons playoff position. If they clinch on Friday against Washington, do they rest their starters? 

All of this and much more can be heard for your entertainment pleasure on this special DBB Podcast episode. To continue to support the podcast, subscribe on iTunes and find new episodes posted on our home, DetroitBadBoys.com

 

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Jordan and Ben are joined by renowned DBB'er Sean Wheeler, better known as Hypnowheel! Sean helps the guys discuss the Pistons as the team nears the finish line of the regular season! The Pistons seem comfortable in the 8th seed, ahead of the Bulls and Wizards. Sean discusses the Bull's issues down the stretch, Ben focuses on the Wizards and Jordan reminds everyone of the playoff tie-breakers!

The conversation turns to the team's recent play. The Pistons have played well, post-trade deadline, and took advantage of their extended home stand. Is it enough to get into the playoffs? Sean breaks down the team's perceived up-and-down performance. 

Andre Drummond becomes the topic of conversation; Sean helps us understand the complexities of Drummond's trouble at the free throw line. The hypnotherapist applies his knowledge to Drummond's (sometimes literal) shortcomings at the line. Ben and Sean dive into some sports psychology, helping us all better understand the pressures of the game. 

Looking into the future, Sean and Ben discusss what it will take for the team to compete in the near future. Sean and Ben also go back-and-forth on current playoff match-ups and the value of Kentavious Caldwell Pope. 

Also, keeps your ears open for the podcast debut of Siena Wheeler! 

Subscribe to the Detroit Bad Boys podcast on iTunes and follow DetroitBadBoys.com for all things Pistons. 

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Start your St. Patrick's Day off right... With the Detroit Bad Boys podcast! Recorded on Selection Sunday and delivered on the fist day of the "Second Round;" this podcast covers all your big Pistons questions. Jordan and Ben are joined by Jacob Kuybenhoven to explore numerous Pistons topics. 

Starting with the team's playoff position, the guys review their recent stretch of play. From there, a conversation about the 8th seed, holding off Chicago and what a series with Cleveland might look like. 

Then, Jordan brings up some questions regarding a healthy Pistons squad. What changes when the team is healthy? Some of those changes might mean less time for certain payers in the rotation. Jacob and Ben dissect the current rotation and it's effects on the team's performance heading into the playoffs. 

The podcast covers the rest of the Eastern Conference "bubble teams." From there, Jacob also talks about players in the NCAA tournament to watch. Maybe there's a future Piston playing?

Find this and all your Pistons information on DetroitBadBoys.com and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio. 

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