Second-year man Maxiell makes point

[C Paw]

Article on Maxiell's stellar play:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061017/SPORTS0102/610170310/1127

"Jason Maxiell might be causing a little ripple in the Pistons' rotation plans.

"I've been telling people that Maxey is the guy that's going to have a breakout year," Pistons guard Richard Hamilton said. "I tell him every day, 'You've got to go hard. You have to be out there running people over. I don't care if you get six fouls, just make your presence felt.' "

Maxiell, a second-year power forward, has been doing exactly that. The Pistons' leading scorer in the exhibition season, he produced 14 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in the 90-85 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night at The Palace.

"I'm just trying to let the coaches know I am ready," said Maxiell, who scored a key basket and blocked two shots late in the fourth to help preserve the victory and make the Pistons 3-1.

Maxiell, undersized at 6-foot-7, continues to attack the basket with a vengeance. He made 4 of 5 shots and 6 of 12 free throws. He made 12 of 16 free throws Saturday in Memphis.

"He's been working hard on his free throws with (assistant) Dave Cowens," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said.

Maxiell said he has developed a trick to help him slow down and focus at the line.

"It's all mental, it's always been mental," he said. "I just say 'Happy Gilmore' and try to go to my happy place. I think of my happy place, picture my girl and shoot."

Hey, whatever works.

"He's reckless in there, man, and you need that," guard Chauncey Billups said. "He can get you into the bonus and, plus, he can play. He can really score the ball He's going to help us out all season."

The plan was for Maxiell to see situational duty as the 10th or 11th man. If he continues at his pace, he could find himself cracking the nine-man rotation.

"Overall, he's been great," Saunders said. "Now it comes down to his ability to continue. In this league, it's not what you do one night, it's what you do every night."

Saunders also wants to see Maxiell more active on the defensive boards. After getting one defensive rebound in the first 10 quarters this preseason, he got six in the second half at Memphis and four against the Jazz."



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