The Detroit Pistons will be an interesting group to watch this upcoming season with the additions of Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings and the return of Rasheed Wallace but as an assistant coach. Though training camp will open in about two weeks, Smith and Wallace are wasting no time getting ready. Read more after the jump.
“I’m just trying to polish up on things,” he said after working with assistant coach Rasheed Wallace on the perimeter and in the low post. “I’m trying to be more consistent on my mid-range and long-range jumper. I’ve been working on it hard each and every day here.
“Rasheed has been teaching me some things that I need to know on the block; some veteran leadership from him. He has been able to show me some things. It’s always beneficial when you have a veteran guy who has played in the NBA and been successful and now they’re coaches. They can see things from a player’s and a coach’s standpoint.’’
Wallace won an NBA Championship with the Pistons in 2004 and though he’s known for being volatile, Wallace is an excellent teacher and definitely someone Smith can learn from. Smith was expected to be a superstar with the Atlanta Hawks especially with the departure of Joe Johnson but it never happened. He never seemed to put in the work or live up to his true potential. It looks like he’s ready to do so in Detroit however and after signing a four-year $56 million contract hopefully he gives it his all.
