Pistons' Stuckey cleared for exercise

Mar 10, 2010 - 11:39 PM AUBURN HILLS, Mich.(AP) -- Rodney Stuckey doesn't know when he will play again, but he hopes it will be this season.

Three doctors cleared Stuckey for exercise Wednesday after extensive cardiac tests. He collapsed on the bench during Friday's game at Cleveland and was taken away on a stretcher. He missed Sunday's game against Houston and will be out again Wednesday against Utah.

"I really don't know what that means - they told me I can exercise, but I haven't talked to anyone about if that means I can practice or what," he said before the Utah game. "I want to play, but we'll have to see what they tell me."

Pistons coach John Kuester said he expects Stuckey to return to the lineup before the season is over, but said the team doesn't have a timeline.

"He's had some of the best doctors in the world looking at him, and they've given him a clean bill of health," Kuester said. "If they tell us that he shouldn't play, he won't play, but they've been encouraging. His basketball career isn't our biggest concern until we're sure about his basic health."

Stuckey missed two games last season after experiencing dizziness during a game, but said that he's not worried about further incidents.

"I'm done thinking about it, and I'm done talking about it," he said. "I've had all the tests, and now I'm just waiting for them to tell me when I can play again."

The third-year pro from Seattle is averaging 17 points, five assists and four rebounds for the rebuilding Pistons.