Pistons having faith in 6'11 Kwame Brown...

[HAWKS1986]

http://www.freep.com/article/20081113/SPOR...81113111/?imw=Y

OAKLAND, Calif. – Pistons coach Michael Curry may have been giving us a window into his mind Wednesday afternoon.

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He was talking about the how backup point guard Will Bynum might not be able to see court time against upcoming opponents like the Lakers, Suns, Cavaliers and Celtics because of their size.

So it wasn’t that surprising in this corner when he told WDFN-AM (1130) this afternoon that he was putting 6-foot-11 Kwame Brown into the starting lineup in place of 6-9 Amir Johnson.

Curry basically said that Amir Johnson and fellow starter Rasheed Wallace have too many similar qualities, as do Kwame Brown and reserve forward Jason Maxiell. The move seems to have been precipitated by the loss of reserve forward Antonio McDyess in this month's trade with Denver.

Brown is 6-feet-11. Johnson is 6-9.

"Amir is a smaller guy that roams the perimeter," Curry said. "Max and Kwame are the same guy, even though they are different sizes. So by starting Kwame, you have a center. Rasheed can move out and play the four more.

"With Amir, Rasheed has been playing strictly five, and so I think that even affected 'Sheed as we have gone through the last few games. So I have been trying to figure out the best way, without that shooting big, to use guys as effectively as possible. We think it is better not to have Kwame and Max come on the floor at the same time together."

Although his play has been uneven, Pistons officials believe Brown is coming around confidence-wise and with the upcoming four games, now is a good time to see if he can handle more responsibility.

Johnson is still a major part of the Pistons plans and Curry can always go back to him.

And early in the season is the time for experimentation.

[tonegully]

Brown looking great against the Lakers

[HalfHawk]

Ha ha! Faith in Kwame Brown.... that's priceless..... :lol6: