We’re on the cusp of an exciting game tonight. Amare Stoudemire and the Phoenix Suns will battle with the Baby Pistons at 9:00 PM Eastern.

Stoudemire, one of a handful of NBA veterans participating in the SL is making a comeback from surgeries on both of his knees. Racking up 22.5 points in 28.5 minutes (2 games), Amare has not lost a beat when it comes to making sweet string music.

The All-Star center/forward is shooting an efficent 65% from the field, and nearly 85% from the charity stripe. While most of his TVSL 2006 minutes have come at center due to a lack of height on the roster (a chronic condition that also affects the NBA Suns), we expect to see Amare presented with two matchups that will thrill the red, white and blue faithful.

Cheikh Samb and Jason Maxiell. Continue Reading »

He’s long, he’s tall, he inflicts paper cuts instead of personal fouls. Now the Detroit News is filling in some of the blanks on Cheikh Samb, the 7′1″ beanpole acquired by the Pistons in a draft night trade with the Lakers.

“He says, this is a good beginning, a good learning experience,” Fall said. “He is going to give it his best shot and whatever happens, whatever the team decides to do, is fine. He’s just glad to be here.”

There’s also a story about Nik Caner-Medley, so check ‘em both out.

4 Teams in action yesterday;

Denver Nuggets ~ 99
New Orleans Hornets ~ 80
BOX || RECAP

Sacramento Kings ~ 86
Toronto Raptors ~ 79
BOX || RECAP

Portland Trail Blazers ~ 78
Minnesota Timberwolves ~ 65
BOX || RECAP

Boston Celtics ~ 62
Los Angeles Clippers ~ 78
BOX || RECAP

Recap:

Ok folks; let’s get this thing off and running. Here are a few first impressions:

- Amir Johnson doesn’t look like he’s bulked up visually, but physically speaking he seems to be a bit stronger than last year.

- Samb makes Amir Johnson look like Ben Wallace. He also sat near the coaching staff on the bench and was pretty quiet, but didn’t really look like he didn’t fit with the rest of the guys.

- Mateen appears to have kept himself in awesome shape

- Maxiell doesn’t really seem to be any more defined than last year. I wonder if he’s been hitting the weights.

- The PA announcer is struggling…hard.

- The timekeeper needs to form a working relationship with the shot clock.

- Upon approaching Mike Abdenour, I got the “Oh wait, I don’t know you…ok, what do you want?” look. Fun. (See previous commentary about guys making you feel like a tool.)

Continue Reading »

Hey kids, I just wanted to drop a note and say hello to everyone from VSL. I’m taking a moment to take advantage of the wireless access (free which makes me a big fan of Thomas & Mack / Cox Pavilion) to let you know that all is well.

The Pistons are down 31-36 at the half to the Wizards. Getting close to any pistons is almost a no no as far as interviews are concerned. I was promptly shooed off by Mike Abdenour when requesting any contact/interviewing prospects and told to find the PR Director and send all requests through him.

The 2nd half has started so I will be posting a few unimpressive photos and my full recap after the game (but probably not until after I get home).

Enjoy folks, we’re underway!

-Low