Who would your starting 5 bench players?

Instead, injuries and a lack of postseason success have defined McGrady’s career, and now at 33 years old he seems to have aged at a faster pace than his peers. Even as we talk about how Steve Nash, Jason Kidd and Grant Hill still have plenty left in the tank despite pushing 40, McGrady looks more like a former NBA player.

LaMarcus Aldridge added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Blazers in their preseason opener under new coach Terry Stotts. Lillard, the sixth overall pick in last June's draft from Weber State, looked sharp in 24 minutes as Portland's point guard, adding five rebounds and two 3-pointers.

"I'd definitely say blocking a shot because that turns into an extra possession for us," Drummond said. "That's when I get the dunks. Without the blocked shot, I get no dunk."

Drummond finished with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots in 22:37.

"He's a finisher," Frank said. "We have a guy who can dunk. That's an added bonus. We're able to throw it up and he can go get it.far2

Frank would probably have been pleased to hear what Drummond said after the game.

"Tomorrow, I got to get better," he said. "Today's over."

One solid preseason game does not make you an NBA All-Star, but this one offered a glimpse of what could be an important, impact player for the Pistons in the not-too-distant future.
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Once upon a time, Green was considered arrogant, but obviously he’s come a long way since being drafted by Boston in 2005. Today, he’s an integral part of one of the Eastern Conference’s most promising teams, and there might not be a single player in the entire league more grateful for his opportunity.'89090

It is going to be tough for Ross to crack Casey’s rotation early on and the rookie will probably have to prove his worth in practice and during those occasional blowout games when playing him will not affect the outcome. It is not a lack of talent that will be holding him back as nearly everyone acknowledges the kid’s potential, but Casey is in the business of winning games this season and Ross will have to earn his coach’s confidence in order to get meaningful minutes.