Pistons rookie G Stuckey adds more depth

Dec 22, 2007 - 5:15 AM By Cortez Strickland PA SportsTicker Staff Writer

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) - Rookie Rodney Stuckey should make the Detroit Pistons' bench that much stronger.

Selected 15th overall in June's draft out of Eastern Washington, Stuckey finally saw his first real action in Friday's 96-67 win over the Memphis Grizzlies since breaking his left hand during the final preseason game on October 2.

"I never thought about it," Stuckey said about his hand. "It's not fully healed but it's almost there. The brace doesn't bother me. I've been wearing it six or seven weeks, so I'm used to it."

The 21-year-old made his NBA debut in the fourth quarter and wasted little time getting into the box score when he scored in the paint after grabbing his own missed shot with 6:26 remaining.

Sitting out nearly two months after undergoing hand surgery, Stuckey finished with two points and two assists in seven minutes. He was averaging 12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists prior to the injury.

"I'm just trying to get ready for the season," Stuckey said. "I'm taking it one day at a time to get back to my rhythm. I know the offense. It's more a matter of getting my wind back. They're going to work me in slowly. Hopefully, in another week or so, I'll be all the way back."

Pistons coach Flip Saunders was unsure if Stuckey was going to even see any playing time with the 6-5 combo guard just getting medical clearance on Thursday.

"He looked a little winded with a minute and a half to go, but he did OK," Saunders said. "He got a basket, made some good plays and pushed the ball up court."

Stuckey, who wore a protective brace on his hand, should work his way into Saunders' rotation to secure the primary reserve role to starter Chauncey Billups.

"Stuckey is going to add a dimension to our team that we didn't have," Billups said. "He's a slashing guy who'll go to the rack and he'll get guys in foul trouble because he's so strong. He can pass and make plays for everybody as well. He's going to be something special."

With Stuckey now in the fold, Detroit has another young weapon to bring off the bench to go along with Jason Maxiell, Jarvis Hayes, rookie Arron Afflalo and veteran Lindsey Hunter.

"The rookies played good. (Afflalo) has played well all season, and it was good to see Stuckey back out there," Billups said. "It was good to get out in front so those young guys could play and have some fun."