People tend to roll their eyes at the mention of Kwame Brown. By signing him as a free agent, the Pistons opened themselves up to all kinds of potshots and criticism.
Brown has been a colossal bust since Washington made him the first high school player to be the top overall pick in 2001. He also passed through the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies organizations before the Pistons took a chance and signed him to a two-year, $8 million contract that includes a player option. He's their most controversial acquisition since president of basketball operations Joe Dumars traded for Rasheed Wallace during the 2003-04 season. At least Wallace was unquestionably one of the top players at his position at the time. Brown, now a 6-foot-11 center, is still trying to prove himself. His reputation has taken so many hits, Brown actually feels at ease with his new team.
"I'm in the best situation ever," he said. "This is a first for me. I'm in a situation where no one expects anything. Whatever I do will be a plus, as long as I play hard and play smart. I'm just happy to be in this situation. It's the first time I was able to pick where I wanted to go."
Brown finished last season with the Grizzlies. They only acquired him from the Lakers for his expiring contract to improve their salary-cap situation.
Brown believes his post defense is his best asset, which fits right in with the Pistons' system.
"They're more of a half-court, pound-it-out type of team and that's more suited to me," he said. "I think I've been one of the underrated defenders in the league. I think that's exactly what this team needs."
Until they struck out in their pursuit of several small forwards on the market, the Pistons did not seriously consider signing Brown. They wound up giving him most of their annual mid-level salary exception but the short-term commitment provides flexibility if it doesn't pan out.
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