Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Pistons: Notebook

Dupree not free to call the shots

He was the last player cut two years ago and could face a similar fight for the final roster spot.

By Joanne C. Gerstner / The Detroit News

Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

AUBURN HILLS -- Pistons forward Ronald Dupree has been down this road.

He is working hard in training camp, doing his best, but his ultimate fate is in the hands of the coaching staff and front office.

Two years ago, Dupree was the last player cut by the Pistons in camp. Things worked out, as he was picked up eventually by the Bulls in 2003. He returned to the Pistons last season as a free agent.

This time around, he is again fighting to keep his spot, but he wants to be the one who makes the Pistons' final cut.

Dupree is competing with rookie guard Alex Acker for the lone available spot on the roster, with coach Flip Saunders indicating Tuesday this content will go down to the wire.

"I'm just staying positive and doing my very best every day," Dupree said after after a workout Tuesday. "This is a business, and I understand that. I do think that having the experience of going through this before made me stronger, smarter.

"There are a lot of good young players on this team; we're all battling out there."

The Pistons like Dupree's athleticism and attitude. He came off the bench last season, giving the team a spark. He averaged 3.2 points and two rebounds in 10 minutes.

His exhibition averages are 14.8 minutes, 7.3 points and 2.3 rebounds.

Dupree, 24, is 6-foot-7 and able to play forward and shooting guard.

But the Pistons also are impressed with Acker, the 60th and last pick in the 2005 draft.

Acker, 22, is quick and athletic. He has averaged 7.8 minutes, 2.8 points and 2.8 assists in five exhibition games. He is a big guard at 6-5, and the Pistons need a backup until Lindsey Hunter can return from arthroscopic surgery on his left foot.

It's like the basketball version of "Survivor", with Pistons president Joe Dumars and Saunders throwing down the final tribal council verdict on Acker and Dupree next week.

Saunders said he is keeping an open mind, waiting until the end to decide.

"There are a lot of things that can happen, you never know," Saunders said. "I have seen strange things happen, where the last week someone has gotten hurt, and all of a sudden somebody that you don't expect to make a team ends up making a team. Guys know. I can't tell you there is anyone I have been disappointed with in camp.

"So when you have no disappointments, because they're all playing pretty good, that means they're all competing for time and spots.

"They're out there; they know who is playing well, who they are competing against. So that's why this week is important."

Final days

Saunders said he doesn't want his team to coast through the final days of training camp, possibly establishing the wrong vibe to start the season.

"It's important, because it helps set the tone for next week," Saunders said. "I think our mindset is, as we get closer, we're getting more anxious and we're getting more ready to play for real."

Giving thanks

Several Pistons paused to note the passing of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks.

Antonio McDyess, who hails from Mississippi, said the societal progress sparked by Parks' refusal to leave her bus seat because of her race will never be forgotten.

"Just to know that she's passed away, that's a loss for us (African-Americans)," McDyess said. "We give our prayers and hope things keep going the way they are, because she definitely moved us up in this world. We're just happy she was there for us.

"For me, I come from the South -- it's a big thing in the South. My mom, growing up, she walked and talked the same thing that she (Parks) spoke of in the civil rights movement. They helped us move up."

Quick shots

The Pistons waived center Andreas Glyniadakis on Tuesday. It's not a shock because he wasn't in contention for the final roster spot. Glyniadakis, the 58th overall pick in 2003, made a good impression in camp. He is likely to return to Europe or his native Greece to play pro ball.

... The Pistons released some tickets for their Nov. 2 home opener, and they can be purchased from pistons.com, The Palace box office or TicketMaster outlets.

... NBA TV was at practice Tuesday, filming a documentary-style show on how the Pistons are preparing for the season. The show is scheduled to air Friday evening.

You can reach Joanne C. Gerstner at Joanne.gerstner@detnews.com or (313) 223-4644.