Pistons Talk, Where do the Pistons BIG-4 Rank by the End of Season?

Pistons Talk, Where do the Pistons BIG-4 Rank by the End of Season?

Good. It’s your man 100 Grand Ross with The Rock Never Stops. Trying it again. Had a little coughing attack when I tried to start the last video. So, I’m starting fresh. Today, we’re going to be talking about where these Detroit Pistons end up ranking by the end of the season. I don’t know if you had a chance to look at the Ringer list of the top 100 players in the NBA, but no Jayden Ivy, no Assar Thompson, barely barely Jaylen Duran. I think he’s at number 97. 97. And so I want to have a little conversation about where we think these guys are going to end up ranking by the end of the season. Now I know right now we have Kade Cunningham at number 16. And that feels pretty strong. That feels pretty strong. What’s going on Frank Niti? What’s good man? It feels it feels good to say Kate Cunningham is starting off the season ranked number 16. But for Jay Ivy to not be ranked at all, and I get it, you got guys ahead of him, you know, you got Jaylen Green, Jordan Pool, Bradley Bill, guys who have done more, right? Been around longer. But I don’t think for a moment that’s where Jayden Ivy stays outside of the top 100 ranking. And so I want to go through each of the big four. Cade, Duran, apparently he has the highest ranking, uh, second highest ranking out of the four. Then we’re going to go Ivy and then we’re going to go Assara Thompson last. Where do we think they will rank by the end of the season? By the end of this upcoming 2025 2026 season. But before I dive in, uh if you haven’t had a chance to already, smash the like button for me. Hit subscribe and the bell for notifications. Hitting the like button is a small thing, but it’s a big thing. really helps out the channel and it also makes sure the YouTube algorithm knows that you enjoy interactive live chats with me. So do that for me. I appreciate it as we proceed. Let’s start off at the top. Kade Cunningham. I got to scroll all the way back to the top. I was down by 100. Got to get all the way back to 16. You know, I want to look at some of the guys that are above Cade at 16 because if I’m honest with you, I think that by the end of the season, he could easily be ranked more than most of them, higher than most of them. When I look at the number one spot by Nicole Joic, I don’t think Kate is taking that spot anytime soon. Number two, SGA. I think he’s pretty much solidified there. MV finals MVP league MVP NBA champion. I think he’s going to stay there. Number three, Giannis Ando. I don’t think Kade is passing him. Luca Donsich. Now it gets interesting. Frag Niti, you just said you think Kade gets into the top five or top seven. I think so too. I think so too. But let’s take a look at who is ahead of Cade right now in the ranking. And this is according to the Ringers top 100. You got Luca at number four at 26 years old. He’s in his sixth season. It says it has his height listed at 67, weight 230 lbs. Apparently after a season with LeBron, half a season with LeBron, he’s now dedicated to the game. And it looks like he’s about to be Skinny Luca. And it’s funny because I don’t know if you ever seen the videos of Skinny Luca uh when he was a rookie or a sophomore. That sophomore he starts getting a little bit more pudgy, but his rookie season when he was slim, ready to run up and down the court, he was kind of a monster. He was pretty scary. He was able to get absolutely anywhere he wanted to go. showed a bit more explosiveness um and definitely had the ability to kind of maneuver through small spaces in the way that we see that Cade is able to. So, it’s going to be interesting to see if Kade can circumvent Luca at that number four spot, especially if they make a deep playoff run, which is never really out of the question. Even the bubble he looked good. Yeah, facts. Facts. Stephen Curry number five. Number five, I think they’re counting more aspects, not just stats, not just winning anymore when it comes to Stephen Curry, but also the show that he puts on, right? And I think that that is another step when it comes to being a top ranked player. Can you put on a show? Can you be a featured attraction? Can you be the guy on a headline that when you walk into Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis, Toronto, Utah, that you’re the headliner, that people are going to show up to that game to see you, right? That many times is a big differentiator when it comes to getting into these top five, top 10s. Are you a draw? Are you the household name that everyone is wanting to go see? And I think that there’s a chance that he’s able to get there. I got my summertime melon water. Delicious. Uh, let me see. Number six, Anthony Edwards. Now, let’s be clear. Anthony Edwards is 100% a show. He’s Showtime. He’s prime time. He’s the guy that you go to see. Whether he is your favorite player or he’s playing against your favorite player, you want to see him play because of the things that you know he can do on the court. Not just his skill, his talent, but the performance that he puts on. You know, at any given moment, he might climb that ladder and dunk on your favorite player or your big man or just about anybody else. He might clear them all all together jumping completely over their shoulders and head and dunk on them. He might hit six threes, seven threes in a game, right? He might cross you up, get your favorite p uh player backpedaling, falling on their butt, and knock down a shot. He puts on a show, and he plays hard. He’s a competitor. And I think that Anthony Edwards at number five, I’m sorry, number six, I think it’s pretty solid. Now, I also wouldn’t be shocked if Anthony Edwards continues to take steps forward as well, right? And is able to circumvent guys like, Luca, Stephen Curry, but they’re all in that class together. They’re all in that grouping. Number seven, we have Tyrese Hallebertton. Now, here’s the thing. I don’t quite agree with this. fantastic player. One, he’s going to be out all next season. Secondly, I don’t know if he is as talented as much as his talent has matched the system. Like, he’s talented, but the seventh best player in the NBA, I don’t know if he’s that talented. And so, I would be a little bit hesitant. What’s good, Sandro? What’s good, man? I would be definitely hesitant to say Tyrese Hallebertton is ranked number seven. Can Kade leaprog him? Hell yes. Hell yes. And this is where it begins to get interesting. You got number eight, Donovan Mitchell. Donovan Mitchell, man, I I love the explanation here. It says scores whenever and however he wants. Athlete of the league of the league’s top offense. Yeah. Yeah, score whenever he wants, however he wants. He’s one of those dudes. He’s one of those guys. And I think that acknowledging that, I think it’s something that Cade can look to and say like, “This is how this is how I get my name up there. This is how I get to the MV MVP candidacy. This is how I get to the position where people are looking at me as a legitimate top 10 player.” It isn’t just about your capability, right? Being able to score at will, but it’s also about being able to advance your team in the playoffs. Remember, uh, Donovan Mitchell has had deep runs in the Western Conference. In the Western Conference, not just the East, in the Western Conference. He’s been uh top 10 player for the past what, maybe five years. He kind of came in as a rookie looking like a top 10 15 player, right? And so I think Donovan Mitchell is pretty much solidified here. His jump in his seventh season at 28 years old really is just going to be can he get to that pinnacle? Can he get to that NBA finals? Can he get to the Eastern Conference Finals? And if he does, I think we’ll see him move up this ladder as well. Tyresese Hallebertton is probably the most vulnerable for being moved out of this top eight so far. And then we got Jaylen Brunson. Now, here’s the thing. He’s a bucket. We get it. We get it. He’s a winner. We get it. At the same time, 6’2, doesn’t play defense. And I get it. He also plays in New York. When you play in the Mecca, you’re going to get that boost. But I would say he’s definitely vulnerable to get surpassed. Definitely because I would not put him in the class of scores of a Donovan Mitchell. Stephen Curry, not not quite. Haven’t seen it yet. And so I definitely would say Tyrese Hallebertton and Jaylen Brunson are probably the most vulnerable to be leaprogged for Cade Cunningham. Get some of these comments real quick. Sandro, what’s good, man? Ah, appreciate it, man. I appreciate it, man. Appreciate it. Appreciate that, man. Uh, Devon, ambitious was good. Let me see if I can read this full. It’s gonna let me read the full comment. Donovan Mitchell was supposed to be DW 2.0. I think he is. I think he is. I think he’s probably as close as we’ll get. Uh, but keep in mind that Dwight was 6’5, not 6’1 and change and he was a monster on defense. A monster on defense. But I think if we’re also clear, I think playing in a different era also impacted Wade in terms of injuries. Uh, he was a downhill driver who figured out his jump shot late. So, I think Donovan Mitchell has him beat offensively, but defensively Dwight is just a different caliber of player. And when it comes to leadership, he’s just a total, you know, just a totally different level. And he got help along the way. He got more help. He had a Shaquille O’Neal when he was still in his prime, late prime, but in his prime still. Um, and then later on LeBron James and Chris Bosch. So, that’s how he was able to solidify himself. But we all saw early Peak Wade was absolutely incredible and I don’t know if Donovan Mitchell has ever gotten there. Um, but it’s also Dwe is a two-way player and I think that Donovan Mitchell would do well to buy into that because I think until he does until him and Garland can improve as defenders, I think there’s a ceiling on this Cavs team. Truly do. But let’s get to the rest of this list because I want to get to Cade to start kind of having an idea of where we think he could end up by the end of the season. Central, uh, let me see. Are you f to impale with that hairline? I got you, bro. I got you, bro. All right, so let me see. We got Jason Tatum at number 10. Once again, another guy who’s going to be out for the full season. 27 years old. uh seventh season. Uh he consistently does his thing. Uh a little bit less than what we all want, but he’s definitely one of those guys where, you know, you just got to respect his game at 68 69. Uh now he’s up to about 230 pounds at least. I think he’s just one of those uh players that is going to be good for a long time because his game isn’t necessarily dependent upon athleticism. So, I also fully see him being able to come back from this Achilles uh tear uh and be an absolute beast. It’s going to take him a year. It’s going to take him a year to come back and get into his rhythm, but I think the following year, maybe two years, that 26 27 I’m sorry, 27 28 season. I think it’s when we’re going to see the real bounce back. Um and he should be about 30 years old and 29 30. Number 11, Victor Winyama. If I’m honest, Victor Wimbangyama may end up top five by the end of the season. He’s just that talented. Uh 21 years old going into his third season. He’s just an absolute phenomenal talent. We haven’t seen anything like him since Ralph Samson, since Lu Alcender, Kim Abdul Jabbar. Uh he is just an absolute anomaly. He is an absolute anomaly and his defensive impact along with his offensive skill. I think the more that he puts the game together mentally, that is the only thing stopping him. It is the only thing stopping him. It’s not about getting stronger. It’s not about uh he has to get better in any one particular area. It’s more about just understanding what he needs to do when, how to take advantage of certain looks and opportunities, how to maximize his efficiency and potential on the floor. And I love what San Antonio has done with him. Had him shooting a whole bunch of threes just to get him used to it. We’re talking about bit slow here. Ah, we’re talking about where we think the Detroit Pistons big four Cade Ivy Duran Assar or I should say Kade Duran Ivy Assar rank by the end of the season. That’s what we’re talking about today. So, we’re going through the Ringer top 100 players uh for this upcoming 2526 season and we’re looking at right now where we think Kate Cunningham may end up ranking by the end of this season. Let me see. Only injuries will will derail Wimby. Yeah, facts. Facts. So, I think Wimby ends up probably top five. Then we got LeBron James at number 12. Man, I think this man could be 172 and still be top 50. I just think he’s just too damn skilled, bro. Uh his knowledge of the game, control, mastery of the game, how he thinks and processes the game. He’s able to impact the game in just so many ways, man. whether he wants to play on the interior, whether he wants to play on the perimeter, play point guard, power forward, center, small forward, whether he wants to turn on the defensive jets, whe whether he wants to uh just focus on offense and kind of pace his way through the season. He just has too much damn skill. And it’s something that we’re I have to do a video about eventually because we’ve never seen a player do what he’s done from beginning to end. I think the closest thing we’ve ever seen has probably been Lu Alender Kareem Abdul Jabbar. He came out if if people understand history of the game, he came out with a lot of fanfare. And I’m talking about high school early in high school back when uh New York was still not just the mecca of basketball, but that’s where really all the top players not only came out of, but made their way to to prove themselves. So if you were good, you wanted to prove yourself at Rucker Park. You wanted to prove yourself on the streets of New York and prove that you could hoop with the best. And NBA players would go there. Dr. Jay would go there, right? Uh uh Wilt Will be free. Um uh uh what’s his name? Earl the Pearl Monroe. These guys hoop there all summer. That’s where you cut your teeth if you thought you were somebody. Lu Alinder who later became Kareem Abdul Jabbar from beginning to end from high school through college through the NBA from the beginning when he stepped foot in the NBA to when he left was an all-time great. That is something that bro is just rare. And so I think I’m gonna do a video eventually on how I rank players because it’s something to be said to be great from beginning to end versus it took me two, three, four years to figure it out. Having expectations coming in to I’m catching people off guard, right? Like these are the differentiating factors. This is what I look to when I start ranking my best players. And so I’m going to do a video on that later. But LeBron James at 12, look, by the end of next season, I don’t see him dropping below 15. You know, that’s just him continuing to do what he does. It’s just ridiculous. It’s just ridiculous. Now, the next three that we have after LeBron, uh, we have Anthony Davis in Dallas. I think he’s going to ball out. Kevin Durant now in Houston. I think he’s going to ball out. Kawhi Leonard at 15. I think he’s going to ball out. And then we come to Cade Cunningham at number 16. Now, here’s the thing. Kate Cunningham can legitimately pass those guys because he will carry a heavier load. He will be the offensive initiator. He’ll be the fulcrum. He will be the engine. LeBron won’t be the engine. That’ll be Luca. AD won’t be the engine. That’s kind of a Kyrie thing. It’s kind of the system. Um, but he is the one who anchors that defense. But I don’t know, he kind of just stays in that top 10 to 15 based on however he plays throughout the previous year. But his talent keeps him there no matter what, but he’s never necessarily that leader, the one who’s initiating everything. You can play through him, but because of injuries and stuff like that, it just always seems like there’s a limitation and ceiling on just how high you can rank him. though he has been a top five before for several years throughout his peak, but I don’t think he necessarily climbs this ladder any further. Kawhi Leonard, he’s great, great player, but I don’t think he’ll ever get back to that peak right now. The Clippers are just betting on, hey, let’s keep him healthy for a playoff run. Still a great player. If I in my guesstimation had to say Kade Cunningham takes a leap, I think he cracks the top 10. I see when probably jumping to number seven. Stephen Curry is going to be Stephen Curry still. Tyrese Hallebertton. Uh Jason Tatum out for the season. I can see Wimby getting into that top seven. You got Donovan Mitchell. And this is where I would say Kate Cunningham could surpass Jaylen Brunson. I think he’s a better talent. I think he’s a better talent than even Donovan Mitchell. But he’s got to win. And when I say he’s got to win, he’s got to be third, no lower than fourth seated in the Eastern Conference. Pistons have to finish probably about 50 plus wins and he’s got to be the reason why they go from round one to round two. If he does that, he can end the season somewhere around nine and jump into the top 10. Let me know what you think in the comments section. But I totally think Kate Cunningham and it’s not just about stats anymore. It’s not just about can he be all NBA. I think we’ve accepted that he’s that level of talent. He’s going to be all NBA for a long time. Can he make his teammates better? Can he lead a young team? Can he elevate his team’s play? Can he ensure that they are able to get the most out of Duran, Ivy, and Assar while continuing to be great. That is going to be the litmus test. That’s going to be the difference maker because it’s through that that they get to that number three, number four seed. That’s how they get there. That’s how they get there. Now, I’m going to go through the rest. It’s a whole lot of names, but I want to throw it out there just so we have an opportunity to get to Duran at 97. Just crazy that they got Dur at 97. I get it. He had a horrific first half of the year last season. Great second half, really great playoff uh performance in round one. He’s got a lot to prove and so does Ivy. And this is likely why they haven’t resigned yet because if you’re the 97th ranked player, if you’re not even in the top 100, how are you worth more than 25 million a year? That’s a real question. That is a real question. Now, we can project based upon improvements and signs that we’ve seen and things of that nature. We can take a look and say, “Hey, you know what? There’s a good chance that they make this le.” Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But when it comes to business, we’ve also seen guys fall off. We’ve also seen guys not recover from injuries. We’ve also seen guys struggle to get out the gate, to buy into the system, to gel with their superstar player, Kate Cunningham, right? We’ve seen guys in the past struggle, not make the leap. So, teams have as much hesitation as they do optimism. And when you’re thinking of an investment, you should be shrewd in that regard. Hey, I would be remiss to not bring up my hesitations and and the counterargument is not just the flashes, not just the projections based upon the flashes, but also to say I’m willing to bet on me. You’re going to have to risk potentially losing me. Oh, yeah. Last season, I think it was ranked at 67, I think it was. Yeah, let me see. Sandro, uh uh Frank, let me Okay, you got a whole bunch of comments here. Hang on one second. Let me see. Uh well, Kate is an all-star, so he’s clearly up there. I think Ivy rivals Kade to a degree. Not better, but still. So, I think minimum two of them are 100% up there, and the other two have a shot. I believe Frank Niti, nobody has held the torch as long as LeBron. No facts. That is facts. That is facts. Kareem is the closest. Uh Sanjo AD finally a power forward. So he might become greater than Tim Duncan. Five straight rings. Laughing my ass. Yeah, AD is never going to pass Tim Duncan. He should have, but he’s never had the durability. And that’s one thing that when you look at the guys who’ve been at the top of the Mount Rushmore, um LeBron, MJ, Kareem, durability was a huge huge factor. Huge factor. Uh let’s look. Um D Mitch and Brunson don’t really do a lot outside of scoring. No. Hey, Bade is more versatile. Uh that’s not everything because if we go by that, then Prime Simmons is better than prime Steph. But, you know, yeah, you know, uh, I’ll say this, Donovan Mitchell, and Jaylen Brunson do more than just score. When you are able to be your team’s leading scoreer, playoff level leading scoreer, it takes pressure off everyone else. I’ll put it this way. If Ojanobi was their best scorer, are they a playoff team? Probably not. If Carl Anthony Towns was their best player, best scoreer, are they a playoff team judging from Minnesota? I would say probably not, right? So, these are things to consider. Now, I will also say if Garland has Evan Mobley and Jared Allen and let’s say Caris and uh Max Truce, are they a playoff team? I’d probably say yes. Do they get out the first round? I’d probably say no. All right. It would be a dog fight to get out the first round. Having Donovan Mitchell elevates them to a potential championship contender. That’s the impact that Brunson and Donovan Mitchell have. That’s why they’ve still edged out Kade Cunningham. So, that is something that he is going to have to prove he can do. Not only am I going to get my team back to the playoffs, not only are we going to finish at a higher seating than we did the previous year, but we’re also going to be able to get out of the first round. And I’m going to be a major reason why. Because of how I manage the game, how I make my teammates better, and how I help us win when it matters the most. That’s how Cade gets into the top 10. All right, I’mma run through these names quick. Try to stay with me. You ready? Here we go. Evan Mobley at number 17. Carthy Towns at 18. Devin Booker 19. Jaylen Williams 20. Jaylen Brown 21. Paulo Ben Carroll 22. Maybe a little bit low for Paulo. Pascal Seakum 23. Jimmy Butler 24, Jiren Jackson Jr. 25, Darren Fox 26, Chad Homegrren 27. Darius Garland 28. You know, I’ll be honest. When we get to Chat Homegrren, that’s probably the moment I start thinking maybe Duran gets into the 20s. Maybe Jaylen Duran gets into the 20s. My glory Serbian better be number one. Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yogic is is ranked number one. I already went through that earlier. But can Jaylen Duran get into the 20s? Chad Homegrren is at 27. Now, I’m not saying Jaylen Dur and Chad Homegrren are the same player at all. Completely different. What I look at is their potential impact on games. Can Jaylen Duran prove that he could be a night in night out force on the interior? Look, you don’t need to be the defensive stalwart that Chad Homegrren is, but can you be a consistent 14 to 18 points per game, 10 to 12 rebounds per game and a block or two with a few assists? You give me 16, 12, three assists and a block and a half on great efficiency, meaning 60s something plus percent from the floor, 70 plus percent from the free throw line. I think he that he could do that in about 30 minutes per game. I think you’re a top 30 player. I think you are a top 30 player. Keep in mind, Chad Homegrren missed a huge chunk of last season and still was able to finish at number 27. So, this is probably where I kind of have him. Darius Garland, electric point guard. Yep. Fifth season, age 25, at number 28. Jamal Murray at number 29. James Harden at 30. I think people don’t talk about the fact uh that I think Duran and Ivy fa to be a nasty combo and duo. I I I think so as well. I think so as well. It would take an otherworldly jump for Duran to jump into the top 30. You think so? You think if if Duran averages what? You know what? Tell me in the chat what do you think Jaylen Durren would have to average next season to get into the top 30? All right, keep in mind with Chad Homegrren averaged last season. Now, I know he has an impact defensively that you know uh the metrics and the analytics love and I do too. I don’t diminish it at all. But if Duran’s giving you 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, close to two blocks a game on great efficiency. I can see it. I can see it. Okay, let’s go to the 30s. Damont Sabonis. Perfect timing. They list him here at 611. He’s 69 and a half without shoes. Keep that in mind. With about a 610 611 wingspan, they describe him as a rock solid center with dominant regular season statistics. The greater question about his postseason fit. Demanus Sabonis is at 31. Let me see. Finity. Okay. You’re saying uh Jaylen Durren will need to average 14 points, 12 rebounds to get to the top 30. Okay. Sandro, you’re saying 18 points, over 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and just be a winning player. I think pick him over Sabonis. I see that as well. Jaylen Durham 14, 12, and two will get him top 30. Yeah. You know what? I’ll be honest. I think Assar Thompson unlocks Duran defensively. I think he becomes a top I don’t think he becomes a top defender. I think he becomes a more than adequate above slightly above average defender playing alongside of Assar Thompson. I completely think that completely if if I’m if I am JB Picker Staff, I have strong considerations about playing uh Assar and Duran together for the overwhelming majority of the time. Let me see. Jaylen Durren is the key. He needs to just be solid. What, Devon? What do you think Jaylen Duran needs to average to crack the top 30 next season? Let me know in the chat. Now, I also want to pull up. Go like this Damont Sabonis’ stats for last season. Let’s just take a look. Let’s just take a gander. Just take a gander. Let’s take a quick gander. Damonte Sabonis averaged last season. See here. All right. Sacramento Damonte Sabonis averaged 1914 and six. Damn. Damn. That’s some stats. That’s stats. And he’s done this. He’s averaged about Let me see. He’s averaged 18 and a half 20 19 19 and 19 since his man since his 1920 season. So since he was 23 years old. Dur is only 22. So there’s a good chance he takes the jump next season. But if he can get to 14 and he might have to get over 14 points per game, man, if I’m honest, if I’m looking at this again, Durham might have to get over 14 points per game. He’s going to have to get to 16 plus points per game. Definitely over 10 rebounds, three assists, because when Damont Sabonis averaged 149 and three, he was a six man of the year candidate. So, if we’re talking about leaprogging Damont Sabonis next season, he’s going to have to put up numbers. But I also think his defensive impact, if he gets about two blocks, close to two blocks a game, I think that’s how he takes that jump over Sabonis. If he shows that he’s a two-way player and then shows up in the playoffs, which granted, Damont uh Damont Sabonis has consistently struggled in the playoffs. Let me see. JD is the key. Needs to just be solid. Yep. Uh let me see. Who you taking over Duran in the top centers this some this upcoming season? I only have a few over him. I think there’s only a few ranked over him right now. You got Wimby, you got Sabonis. Well, actually, no, there’s a lot ranked over him right now, but of those that I’ve already read, you have Carl Anthony Towns, Cadet Homegrren, Damont Sabon, even though Chad is more of a power forward than he is a center. Uh, let me actually pull up the list that they have. You have Jiren Jackson, Deontis, uh, Cadet, Carl Towns, Evan Mobley. These guys are kind of power forwards, too. Uh, AD plays a little center. You got Wimby Yeah, it looks like for the most part, other than you got Joic. You got Joic. Oh, and Giannis, who I think there’s a good chance he play some a lot of center this year as well. Uh, let’s just say, let’s just say there’s a few people above him. I think as a hardcore center, only playing center, I may not have as many, but let’s get to the rest of this list. In the 30s, we have Damont Sabonis 31. Bam out of bio at 32. There’s somebody to think about. Can he jump? Can he jump Bam out of bio? That’s a real That’s a real question. Um, even though Bam’s gonna be playing mostly power forward now, especially now that they got Khal Wear. Then you got Trey Young, John Morant, Ivaka Zubach. Ivaka Zubach at 35. That is somebody I also believe he can jump. If I’m looking at what does Zubach average last season, Zubach averaged. Pull it up real quick. Yeah. 17 and 12. 17 and 12. Two and a half assists. This is the stat line that I’m thinking Durham needs to get to. 16 17 points, 12 rebounds, and over a block a game. And I think he can get to that 2.7 assists, three assists a game. If he gets to that stat line, he might be at 35, 36. Let’s keep going. Let’s keep going because I want to see the rest of this this list so we can have an idea where we think Duran could land by the end of this season. After Zubach, we got Alprin Shangon. I’m going be honest, as much as I like Shangon, I think Duran could be better. I think Duran can be better. I do. I do. Uh, if I look at what Shangon averaged last season, collect this, Houston, Alper and Shangon. What did he average last season? He averaged 19, 10, and five. Okay, so now we’re starting to get a gist of what it looks like to be a top 40 player center, right? Alan Shangon was not necessarily great on defense. At 22 years old, he averaged 19, 10, and five. Keep in mind, last season, the season before last, he averaged 21, 9, and five. less than a block, but he did average over a steal per game. Can Jaylen Duran hit those numbers or close to it? If he gets to 17, 18, 12 rebounds, three assists, and close to two blocks, I think he can, especially if the Detroit Pistons get to that number three or number four seat. If he proves that he is a major component of this team winning and getting to that position, I would not be shocked at all if he’s ranked above Alpra and Sheno. But keep in mind also some of these guys have been doing it for years outside of Ivaka Zubach who took a real big jump offensively last year playing alongside James Harden and under Tyron Lou which most veterans do great under Tyron Lou. So, I’m excited to see what Bradley Bill comes back as. All that’s to say is uh I definitely think Duran can jump him at 36. Then we got Fran Vagner at 37, Derek White at 38, Tyrese Maxi at 39, OGNobi at 40. If I’m honest with you, this is where I think Duran gets to next season. And this may be something to even like pivot on for even another video. Can Duran become a top 40 player? He’s ranked at 97 right now. You can call it disrespectful. You can call it absurd, but he’s got to prove it. The flashes, the talent. As an optimistic Pistons fan, someone who has high hopes and optimism for what this team can do, it’s hard for me to say that your flashes validate what players have done over consecutive years. Let me say that again. It is hard for me to say that your flashes of brilliance, of talent, of ability circumvents what other guys have done over multiple years. Keep in mind Damonte Sabonis has been 20 and 10 with over five assists for maybe the past eight seasons, bro. He may not be the playoff performer that you want, but damn it, he’s good. He’s been an all-star for a while. He’s been leading a team for a while. Alpin Shangon, he’s got at least two years of 201 and 10. So if he’s going to get there, I think that’s his benchmark getting into that top 40. I think he’s better than OG and Obi overall impact and talent. I think he can get there. This is a question I have. Do you What do you think? Do you think Jaylen Durren can end up top 40? What do you think his stat line is to be able to do so? Now that I read out some of the stat lines of some of the other centers that are ranked above him in the top 40, where do you think Jaylen Duran lands? What do you think his stat line is? Let me know in the chat. Now, let’s get to Jayen Ivy and Assara Thompson. I’m going to combine them because neither of them were ranked at all in the top 100. I don’t think it’s absurd. Neither of them put together a full season, which is kind of a really big indicator of how you’re viewed. If you can’t put together a full season of productivity, it’s hard to just give you that benefit of the doubt. It’s hard to just say, “Oh, yeah, he’s a really good player. This is what he’s going to do.” When you haven’t shown it. When you haven’t shown it. Assar Thompson, Jaden Ivy. Now look, we’ve already had the conversation. I’m gonna start at 37 with France Vagner. I’m already on record. Yes, consistency is key. I am on record. Yeah, remember. Yes, stats are not everything. That is big facts. I am on record saying that I think Assar Thompson is better than France Vagner. I do. I think he’s a better talent. He has not been more productive nor as consistent, but I think he’s a better talent and I think he ends up becoming a better player. This is where I start for Assar Thompson at around 37. I’mma be honest with you. I’mma be honest with you. Look, hey, they describe uh France Vagner, 610, 220 pound uh forward, age 23, season 3, natural, well-rounded creator who never shies away from a challenge. Totally true. Totally true. I think Assaar can be better. The things that Assar Thompson are able to do is just absurd. It’s otherworldly. The things that Fron does is really good. Really good. I don’t see otherworldly. Let me see here. I’m look up what France Vagner put up last season. and go to Orlando Magic France Vagner. He averaged 24 five and five essentially. 24 five and five. And he averaged 1.3 steals.4 blocks. Really good efficiency. Not from the three-point line, under 30% the second year in a row. Uh really hasn’t shot the three ball well since his first two seasons. And struggled a bit shooting from the field. 48% 46%. What would it take for Assar Thompson to leap frog him? I don’t know if it happens next season if I’m honest. More than likely, I think Assar Thompson takes the leap and surpasses Fran Vagner over the next two to three years. Remember, France Vagner was drafted before Assar has about a year on him. So, keep all that in mind. I still think Assar Thompson gets to that level of player in about two years. I don’t know if he’ll be the scorer, but I think his impact on the game will be at that level. I think it is foreseeable that Assar Thompson becomes a top 40 player next season. I do. Now, the stat line, that’s the question. What is the stat line he’s going to have to have? Cuz and and I I do agree with you, Sandro. It’s more than just about stats. It’s beyond the stats. 225 and five, 50, 40, 85% great defense or something around that. I don’t think he needs to do all that. I don’t even think he needs to do all that if I’m honest with you. I don’t think he needs to get that high in terms of scoring. Um, putting all my money on Jay Ivy stock I and we are about to get to that in a second. Let me see. Uh, you stocks on Ivy Leading Lions. What’s good, my man? What’s good? By the way, smash the like button for me. It’s a little thing, but it’s a big thing. Really helps out with the channel. If you’re enjoying this live, we are asking ourselves, where do the Pistons big four rank in the top 100 by the end of this season? We are going off of the Ringers top 100 list right now. We did Kade Cunningham. We think he can get into the top 10. He’s got to get this team to that number three, number four seed and into the second round to do so. Jaylen Durren, we think he can get into that 30s into that 30s competing with Alpin Shangon, Damontes Sabonis. Uh, but he’s got to put up a stat line of around 16, 14, three assists, and about two blocks. He’s got to show the defensive impact and then have it translate into the playoffs. Now, we’re getting to Assara Thompson and Jaden Ivy. I think Assara Thompson ends up being better than France Vagner. I don’t know if it happens next season, though. I don’t know if it but I tell you this much by the end of next season everyone else will see it too. Everyone else will be looking at Assar Thompson and be like, “Yeah, I could see him surpassing him. I could see Assar Thompson being a top, if I dare say top 15, 20 player. we will be able to see it because the flashes that he’s shown, and I keep saying this, his jump is not about scoring and shooting the ball more. It’s about getting his timing down, his rhythm, his recognition so that he can put together all the things that he’s already shown the ability to do. This is not about shooting more threes. Just put it all together where you’ve already shown you can do. You’ll be starting from the beginning of the year. You have a role. You know the system. You have the same coach. You understand the expectations. This is what I foresee for Assar Thompson. He’s going to end up with somewhere between 14 to 16 points per game. somewhere between six to eight rebounds, three to five assists, and most importantly, about four stocks per game. Four stocks per game. That will be the differentiating factor. He’ll be first team all defense. All he needs is 65 games. First team all defense over four stocks per game. That is steals and blocks combined. V Assar Thompson does that, he’ll be in the top 40 ranking. He won’t get an All-Star birth, I don’t think. Not yet. I think there’s a lot of other forwards in front of him. Giannis, Jaylen Brown, um Evan Mobley, uh you got Jaylen Johnson, you got you got a whole lot of other forwards, but he’s going to be on the fringe. Now, if there’s injuries, don’t be shocked, but keep in mind, he’s also got Paulo Ben Carro, Fran Vagner above him, too, who are looking to make those all-star bids. all they need is 65 games, too, right? Um, and so there’s a lot of forwards to compete with, but after next season, it will be a consensus. Oh, we see it. We see where he’s headed. We see what he can do. Let me see. Uh, you think his scoring needs to be over 20? I don’t think it needs to be over 20. Anyone who gives you over four stocks per game is different. When you’re doing six to eight rebounds, over two steals, close to two blocks per game, and you’re impacting the game as a first team all defensive player. This is where we start to look at you different. And considering that he’s going to have other talents around him like Cade, Ivy, Duran, they’re gonna understand that he’s sharing the ball. He’s not the primary offensive option. Teams are going to recognize that his impact goes beyond scoring and that’s how he will be evaluated. Now, keep in mind this, Derek White is at number 38. He’s 30 years old in season 7. He’s described as everyone’s favorite teammate. sniffs out winning plays, binds a lineup together, doesn’t take a single thing off the table. That’s wonderful. That’s wonderful. I can see Assar Thompson leaprogging him by the end of the season. All right, this is a winning player. Does winning things. Assara Thompson does that as well. Let’s look at what Dererick White was putting up last season for the Boston Celtics. Derrick White, who is now 31 years old, averaged 16 essentially five and five. Four and a half uh four and a half rebounds, 4.8 assists. 16 five and five. His biggest claim to fame, winning basketball, and his defensive impact. Now, a lot of that is also playing next to Drew Holiday, um, playing with Jaylen Brown, Jason Tatum, Al Horford, right? Because the players around you also greatly impact your defensive potential and impact. I’ll say this, Derek White is probably most primed to regress a little bit, taking a step back. No Porzingis, Al Horford, we’ll see if he’s still there next season. No Jason Tatum. introducing Anthony Simons who’s going to need the ball more, learning to play off of another player, not necessarily having that defensive backcourt partner. He’s going to have a he’s going to have a much different role coming into next season. It’s going to look different. He will likely regress in terms of overall impact, statistical measurements, things of that nature. I can completely foresee Jaden Ivy even looking at that spot and this is where the conversation starts for Jaden Ivy. Let me look at the rest of the players beneath him. Got Derek White at 38, Tyrese Maxi at 39. All right. In the fourth season, 24 years old. I think this is the type of player that Jayen Ivy becomes. Tyrese Maxi type of a player. Use your speed. He’s bigger than him. Tyrese Maxi is listed at 6’2 200 lb. Jay Nivy is about 65 205. What’s going on Rodney? Appreciate you man. Appreciate the love and the super chat brother. Where do you think specifically? Where do you think Jaden Ivy, what is the highest you think Jaden Ivy is able to get to in terms of ranking for next season? Sandro, I agree on Assara being more impactful, more of a winning player than France Vagner, though Masuba actually paid attention this time. Yeah, you know, I I’ll say this. Uh France is no slouch. I just think Assar has that it factor. That it factor that um Sean the Matrix Marion, the uh Scotty Pippen, the Trying to think about the comparison. The Andre Iguadala. He’s just different, bro. He’s just different. He’s built different. He just is. Let me see. Rodney, question for you, fam. I see K, Desar, and Ron will be the three perimeter threats leading this team when they are contending. Your thoughts on that? Also been following. Love the content. I appreciate that, Rodney. Appreciate that, man. Let me see. Are you suggesting that this team moves on from Duran and Ivy by the time that they make their championship run? Is that what you are forecasting? If you are with that argument, I can say yes, I can see those three being at the core for a championship run. If they are still on the team, I don’t think Ron Holland has as big of a role. I just don’t. But I can understand what you’re getting at. the new collective bargaining agreement, how it squeezes out teams for drafting. Well, I think it’s something that potentially gets changed before they get squeezed off the team. And I think they figure out a way to keep them. Even if you’re signing Jaylen Durren at 35, Jay Nivy at 35 instead of 25, um I think they figure out a way to keep them on the team, especially when the salary cap continues to escalate. That contract won’t look as bad. Let me see. Leading Lions, what’s going on, man? Why does everyone say Derek White is better than Javi? because I think productivity and overall impact versus potential talent I think is what they’re arguing. Keeping in mind though, I think this is the part that I have to remind them is that Derek White is 31 years old. He’s 31. Jayen Ivy is 22. Derek White would never have the role that Jaden Ivy could be given. And at the same time, Jaden Ivy could do Derek White’s role 10 times over. Now, I don’t think he has the same processing of the game cuz he can play a different role. So, he plays different. He doesn’t necessarily think floor general because he’s naturally a shooting guard. So, you’re comparing kind of I don’t want to say apples and oranges. It’s like apples and pears, oranges and grapefruits, right? There’s a there’s a significant difference between them. But the talent and potential Derek White is nowhere near. Derek White, I don’t think will ever be an all-star level player. Jay Nivea can be an all-star level player in two years. Right. So, that’s that’s the difference for me. Um, let me see. Sandro, uh, he has to show it. Facts. And because of the injury to Ivy, uh, they’re not giving him the respect yet. That’s completely true. Rodney Amen Thompson equals Grant Hill. As Lara Thompson, Scotty Pippen. I can see it. I can see it. I can see it. Wow. that Grant Hill might be a really good comparison for Aman Thompson and Scotty Pippen for Assar Thompson. I can see both of those. I can see both of those. Next season will tell. I think next season will tell big time. Let me see. Uh Rodney, what’s good, man? Uh not Durant, but would like Ivy uh being a super sub like Manu. You know what? I don’t think Ivy is a six-man at all at all. He’s just far too talented. He’s far too talented. That combination of shooting and explosive athleticism and positional size at 6’5, 69 wingspan is rare. Is rare. Most players that are that explosive don’t shoot that well. Most players that shoot that well are not that explosive. You combine the two, that’s where we start looking at guys like Donovan Mitchell. Literally Jaylen Brown when you have those elements as an athlete is just a different level of player, a different ceiling. If Jay Na’vi bets on himself, and this is a question for the chat, what do you think Ivy will have to average next season to get into that top 40 ranking? Granted, he’s got Tyrese Maxi ahead of him. He’s got Derek White ahead of him, Ojanobi at 40, Ammon Thompson at 41, right? And I keep saying Assar Thompson is very Amond Thompsonesque and will have similar numbers. You got Aaron Gordon at 42, Damen Li at 43, Kyrie Irving at 44, Zion Williamson at 45, Scotty Barnes 46, Desmond Bane 47, Jaylen Johnson 48, LaMelo Ball 49, Draymond Green 50, Tyler Herro 51. I completely can see a world where both Jayen Ivy and Assara Thompson are getting into those 40s completely. I’m curious though, let me know in the chat. What do you think Jaden Ivy needs to average next season to get into that top 50, get into the 40s rankings for next season or for the by the end of the season? What do you think he needs to average? In my guesstimation, it would be somewhere along the lines of 22 points per game. Maybe four to five rebounds, four to five assists on really good efficiency. Yeah. 22 five and five, 50, 40, 85%. Great defense or something around it. Great defense I think is the is the difference maker and that honestly for Duran and Ivy that is the difference maker. Can you trust these two on defense because to win championships we already know you need defense? It’s got to be on the defensive end. If they’re locked in on defense while putting up their offensive production, I think they become $35 million players. I just do. Two-way players are hard to come by. Two-way all-star level players are extremely hard to come by. I can see it. I can see it 100%. If you ask me what that separating factor is, it’s defense. What’ you say? Uh, let me see. Rodney, Donovan Mitchell is what I see Ivy’s ceiling. Yeah. However, I see Ron’s ceiling as Jaylen Brown. Yeah, I would rather Jaylen Brown next to Kade and Assar than Mitchell. I Okay, I can see that because of the defense. I I’m a big- time defense first player. You ask me, that’s how I know you want it. That’s how I know you’re really about this life and how you play defense. If you’re really about winning, that’s where we see it. Offense is great. To get to a championship, you got to have defense. I’ll put it this way. Ron Holland, I 100% she has a Jaylen Brown level player eventually. I think Ivy becomes just as important. And in fact, I I I’ve done a video about this and I’ll be doing more commenting on this. I think there’s a strong chance that if Assar Thompson has in fact, by my estimation, if he has grown where he’s now close to 6’8, if he’s 68, there’s a good chance we look at him as our future power forward. and Ron Holland slides in at the three. And then you have Ivy and Cade rounding out the rest of the team with Jaylen Durren. That five has championship written all over it. All over it. 100%. I think the Detroit Pistons need to try 100% everything in their power to keep that five together. Don’t trade not a single one of them unless you’re getting someone of more talent. Let me see. I got to wrap this up in a little bit. Appreciate everyone for jumping in. Uh people talk about Ivy like he wasn’t rivaling Cade for that top spot. Very true. Now, he doesn’t beat Cade in that, but he’s a hell of a player, and I think he’ll have a big season next year. I agree. I think he’s gonna have a big season. I don’t think he’s Cade. I don’t think he’ll ever get there, but he can be big time. He can be big time. He could be Donovan Mitchell level explosive scoring. Not quite. I don’t think he has that in between herky jerk. I don’t think he gets quite there. But if he can lock in on defense, if he could become not just an above average defender, if he could become a plus point of attack defender, and I mean Derek White reading the game, uh, switching when you need to, crafty plays, staying within the scheme. If he can do that, if he can do that, yeah, I 100% want him next to Kade because that’s the role that we need. And that’s something to think about when you think about having Ron Holland next to Kade instead. Who guards a po uh who guards opposing point guards out of those two? I don’t think either of them are built to guard Jaylen Brunson for a full game. chase around Tyrese Maxi or Tyrese Hallebertton, try to press upon LaMelo Ball all game. Neither of them are built for that. I think they need a smaller guard, someone who has more fast twitch, quick twitch ability, who can get low, still has length and reach on those guys as well. That’s what I foresee. But hey, this has been a dope live. Appreciate all y’all for getting on. I think the big four of the Detroit Pistons can become all four, a top 50 ranked roster. Cade, Ivy, Duran, Thompson, can all become top 50 players. Now, after I post this, I want you to put what you think each of their stat line can be to get there. Put in the chat. We’re going to continue the conversation there. Appreciate everyone for joining me today. Look to be on here a little bit more. Um, trying to be consistent. Took a couple days off, but I’m back at it. Um, we’ll see how things continue to evolve and develop. This team is excited. I think we should all be excited for them. Um, and see where it goes from here. With that, it’s your man 100 Grand Ross with the Rock Never Stops. Smash the like button for me. Hit subscribe and the bell for notifications, and I’mma get at y’all next time. Oh, you said, “Please read my earlier comment with crying emojis.” All right. All right. I’mma get I’mma read your comment then. Uh, you were talking about Jaden Ivy. Oh, wow. He was better than France Vagnner. Okay. All right. All right, we going we going we going to talk about it some more later. I got you, Sandro. I got you. I appreciate you though, man. I appreciate you though, man. Take care. I’mma get at y’all tomorrow.