Hunt Baker

Reporter at SB Nation

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Articles

Was I Wrong?

4 days ago | detroitbadboys.com | Hunt Baker

About a year or so ago I said I doubted that the Pistons would ever become a playoff/championship contender once they lost the lottery to draft Wembanyama. I thought that unless they had this kind of player their chances of ever winning a championship would be nil. I believe I also claimed that without a good mix of veteran talent Cunningham wouldn't reach his potential.
Draft Dreaming, Scheming, and Whatever Else

1 month ago | prideofdetroit.com | Hunt Baker

Dan Campbell made the remark, "we’d like to get a little younger," with respect to the receiving corp and I think it’s likely the Lions could be eyeing one, two, or even three receivers in the draft. And, although Brad Holmes has suggested he’d love to add at least one, if not more, edge rushers in the draft I have an inkling he’ll surprise us with just one great later round pick.
BREAK-OUT!

1 month ago | prideofdetroit.com | Hunt Baker

I was just reading some different articles here about whether particular groups are better than last year and what the team might draft to improve, and it occurred to me that one of the other really big things that has brought a smile to my face has been seeing Lions break-out and become stars, or at least strong solid players. With that in mind I thought I'd share a few thoughts on what I hope might be this year's examples. The skill positions on offense are pretty well developed.
The Starting Rotation - Young Cubs Ready to Roar?

Jan 17, 2025 | blessyouboys.com | Hunt Baker

If the Tigers plan on returning to just a five-man pitching rotation, I think they'll let the youngsters compete and we likely could see a very young and exciting group emerge. Obviously, Tarik Skubal is the ace, so numero uno is in place, as long as he's healthy. Reese Olson seems ready to emerge as the Duke de Deux, or simply the second man.
Early Surprises

Oct 30, 2024 | detroitbadboys.com | Hunt Baker

Although I don't see the Pistons winning much this season there have been some early surprises. I had hoped Ronald Holland wouldn't be lost on the bench, and so far he's earned some minutes and shown some genuine promise. I had also hoped that Cade and Jaden would become more of a solid tandem and this seems to be coming to pass. Do these qualify as surprises? I think they are pretty good outcomes thus far, and I'll take them where I can get them.
How Different?

Aug 12, 2024 | detroitbadboys.com | Hunt Baker

2023-24 PG Cunningham, SG Ivey, SF Bogdanovich, PF Stewart, C Duren - key subs G Burks, G Morris, F Thompson, F Livers, C Wiseman 2024-25 PG Cunningham, SG Ivey, SF Fontecchio, PF Harris, C Duren - key subs G Sasser. G Beasley, F Thompson, F Hardaway, C Stewart I wanted to compare what we thought we'd have last year to what we think we'll have this season.
Hulk Hogan and Dan Campbell

Jul 27, 2024 | prideofdetroit.com | Hunt Baker

I think there was a questionable appearance at camp today. I wonder how Campbell and Holmes really feel about it. I saw a limited amount of exposure between Campbell and Hogan, but any sort of ruffled my feathers. Seeing Hogan at the RNC was his choice. Now anyone has to make their choice about being seen with him. I want to give Campbell every benefit of the doubt that he doesn't like Hogan. I wonder if it was his Christian duty to forgive and turn the cheek that let him meet Hogan?
Only Two Drafted Got Lower Grades

Jun 27, 2024 | detroitbadboys.com | Hunt Baker

Yahoo isn't necessarily the highest or best authority on draft talent, but only two teams received a lower draft grade from them for their 2024 NBA picks. Picking 9th the Memphis Grizzlies chose Zach Edey and received a grade of D for choosing the high scoring, but slow footed center. Picking 26th the Oklahoma Thunder chose Dillon Jones and received a B- for choosing the smart and versatile power forward.
Position / Team Analysis

Jun 21, 2024 | detroitbadboys.com | Hunt Baker

How can the Pistons get better? We've crossed the bridge to get a new GM, working on a new coach, and got to accept we won't get a new owner, so what about the team make-up? I think we can discuss the positions and come up with at least an emphasis on their needs. PG - Cade Cunningham and Marcus Sasser are most likely the top 1 and 2 picks. Of course Jaden Ivey can also be a leader at this position.
Some Rebuilding Ideas

May 27, 2024 | detroitbadboys.com | Hunt Baker

I want to start by saying that I have questions about the identity of the team, and with that said, just how some players would or wouldn't fit is hard to imagine without a lot more personal as well as stylized play analysis. I suppose all I can do though is make some proposals and see what others think. 1. It seems like a no-brainer to resign Simone Fontecchio. He has a good outside shot, and he seemed to provide good defensive ability.