HT: 6-6 | WT: 218 | AGE: 25 | YR: 5
PTS: 21.8 | REB: 4.8 | AST: 4.5
By Fred Carter
Special to ESPN.com
The early part of that trade was somewhat tumultuous because Jerry Stackhouse hadn't found his niche for the Pistons, and they hadn't found a niche for him as well.
He was going through a contract year, which makes it even more difficult because the player becomes more selfish and hungry in order to prove himself when he sees everyone else is reaching certain contracts. He had already turned down a deal with Philadelphia, so there was a lot of pressure on Stackhouse. Pressure often leads to mistakes and maybe unwarranted overaggressiveness. That's what happened when he first started in Detroit.
But looking at his production this year, the Pistons really got themselves a fine one-on-one player. They needed someone who could take the pressure off Grant Hill. Stackhouse has been able to do that, averaging 21.8 points a game. He can operate on the other side of the floor and play a little one-on-one, defend and rebound. When Hill is out of the ballgame, Stackhouse can take over the scoring load.
The loss of Theo Ratliff still leaves a hole because they don't have a shot blocker. But the Pistons were lacking offense. No one else could score but Hill, so Stackhouse has capably filled that void. He is a good slasher to the basket and excels in the open court. He is also learning to make the three-point shot. He really gives the Pistons a good complementary player to go with Hill.
People don't notice this as often, but one of Stackhouse's best assets in his ability to get the foul line. Stackhouse, shooting at an 82.2-percent clip, has made more free throws (180) than any player in the league and has more foul attempts than anyone but Shaquille O'Neal. He will get the Pistons to the bonus quicker. That makes it easier for the Pistons' other offensive players because the opposing coaches will tell his players not to foul. Other players will either have more offensive freedom or get to the foul line. And in basketball, the team that shoots the most free throws will usually win the game.
Before this season, Stackhouse was bouncing back and forth between starting and coming off the bench, mostly because Joe Dumars was still playing. He was asked to play a couple of different roles. Evidently, Stackhouse responded in such a way that the Pistons liked him. After all, they offered him a new contract.
Now stability is setting in for Stackhouse. He is playing with a little less pressure and has done a nice job for the Pistons, making it a good trade in terms of what they needed. |
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HT: 6-10 | WT: 225 | AGE: 26 | YR: 5
PTS: 10.7 | REB: 6.7 | BLK: 2.6
By Dr. Jack Ramsay
Special to ESPN.com
Theo Ratliff wasn't in Doug Collins' plans in Detroit, and Jerry Stackhouse wasn't doing anything spectacular in Philadelphia. Two years later, both players are comfortable where they are now and have benefited both teams.
Nevertheless, the 76ers have gotten the better end of the trade. I think Detroit misses Ratliff and Philadelphia needs him. While the 76ers were able to fill their needs, the Pistons still don't have a center. Eric Montross, who was also part of the trade, has been unable to fill that role in the middle.
Stackhouse was very much bally-hooed coming out of North Carolina and was considered to be the next Michael Jordan. He is good, but not that kind of player. He struggled badly in the first few years in Philadelphia. He has matured as a player and wants to show he can be a good player in the NBA, which he has done. He can take it to the basket, he is a very good free-throw shooter who also gets fouled a lot.
Ratliff, meanwhile, has already missed 16 games this season with a stress fracture in his ankle, but he is due back Friday. Judging from past performance, Ratliff is a solid contributor when he is healthy. He is a shot blocker and a presence in the basket area on defense. Plus, he can score enough to keep the other team honest. With him, Matt Geiger and Tyrone Hill in the frontcourt, teams can't ignore them because they can score. They can hurt teams that concentrate solely on stopping Allen Iverson.
Aaron McKie, who came to Philadelphia with Ratliff, has also helped the 76ers as a valuable player off the bench. When Iverson was out 10 games with a broken thumb, McKie stepped in and helped keep the team from losing games. He started eight games and averaged 14.6 points as the team went 6-4 in Iverson's absence.
With Ratliff back in the lineup, I think Philadelphia will be fine and will make the playoffs. Despite how well Stackhouse is playing, I'm not as confident about Detroit's chances. |
