Tuesday BasketBALLS: Who is Playing for Pay & Who is Not?

b-ballWhen I saw that Detroit’s improving Pistons handed the Pacers their first home L of the season last night, I checked out their roster.

It’s time to start paying attention. Because at 12-14 in the East, Motown is firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Of course, I always look to see if Peyton Siva plays, but couldn’t name more than a couple others, ballin’ at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Then I noticed that Drummond, Andre went for 9 points and 9 boards in last evening’s road W. I remember him from his short career at UConn. And remember what I thought when he skipped off to the NBA.

Which is why I bring this up.

Reason I Haven’t A Clue What I’m Talking About: Andre Drummond.

The kid did nothing against the Cardinals, when he played for the Huskies.

He never impressed me at UConn, averaging 10 points and 7 1/2 rebounds a game during his one season, taking classes on campus.

While I am a college hoops fan, and pay scant attention to the NBA before playoff time, I do root for my birth town Detroit Pistons, as I do the Lions1, Red Wings and Tigers.

Thus I was less than pleased when Detroit drafted Drummond.

I was wrong.

He’s averaging 13.3 ppg, and 12.6 rpg in his second play for pay season.

He’s a solid center, and improving.

Shows what I know.

Reason I Know What I’m Talking About: Greg Oden.

When I saw Oden, then with Ohio State, trundle down the court at Rupp in a sub-regional OT tilt against Xavier, I said to myself, “This guy will never be a factor in the NBA.” Honest. And I am sure I shared that opinion in LEO with my readers at the time.

His visage was that of a forty year old.

His gait was that of a pensioner.

My knees hurt just watching him.

I recall maybe he was drafted before whatisname, if memory serves, you know, that guy who toils for Okie City. Oh yeah, Kevin Durant.

Anyway, Oden’s last PT was in the ’09-’10 season. This season, he’s supposed to be on the Miami Heat roster, but hasn’t played a second. The answer to when he’ll suit up — more pertinent, if he’ll suit up — is blowin’ in the wind.

You gotta kind of feel for the kid. Then again, he’s been paid handsomely for his inactivity.

As for those who made the decision to draft him, those who made the decision to bring him down to South Beach, well, you gotta ask, what were they thinking?

Anyway, it shows I know what I’m talking about.

At least 50% of the time.

— Seedy K