And so the answer was Walter Sharpe. Or, in the words of Pistons fans throughout Southeast Michigan Thursday night, "Walter Who?"
But for all his problems, the Pistons’ first pick in the NBA Draft obviously has talent. Otherwise, the Pistons would not have selected him in that spot. In that way, it makes sense.
This draft was remarkably thin. The Pistons weren’t likely going to get a serviceable player at 29th overall. D.J. White sure isn’t the answer to any of their needs. So Joe Dumars did the next best thing: He went for a player with a troubled past, but with a higher ceiling given his talent - at least based on the Pistons scouting. Seems like he did his homework on Sharpe. And it does pay off sometimes to think outside the box. In that sense, I thought it was a good - and certainly interesting - pick. It was good to get an extra pick because of the deal with Seattle.
I still think the Pistons would have been better off, though, drafting Chris Douglas-Roberts. Time will tell.

Random Thoughts

- Gary Sheffield has been terrific since returning from the disabled list. But the key has been starting pitching. The Tigers are in every game. Now if they could just get Miguel Cabrera on a hot streak. Have a feeling that is coming sooner instead of later.

- As good as the Tigers have been lately, the Twins have been better. They seem to be emerging as the team to beat in the A.L. Central. And I don’t understand how with that pieced-together roster.

- The Tigers can’t afford to let their guard down against the Rockies. A sweep this weekend is in order. It would put them above .500 and keep pressuring the White Sox and Twins.