Pistons: Notebook

New Piston Chris Wilcox excited over different atmosphere

Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Auburn Hills -- So many times in his professional career, Chris Wilcox had no chance for the playoffs when the regular season tipped off.

That's what happens when you play for the Clippers, Sonics (who turned into the Oklahoma City Thunder) and Knicks.

All bad teams, and all never made the playoffs.

Coming to an organization such as Pistons, with championship pedigree, has been a revelation.

"It's definitely different from day one," said Wilcox, who signed with the Pistons last summer.

"From day one training camp has been different. Coach wants to get things sorted out and see what he can get out of us."

The Pistons like the ingredients that Wilcox, 27, can bring to the roster with his 6-foot-10, 235-pound frame. He's big, athletic, and has shown an ability to finish around the basket.

"He's somebody that plays with reckless abandon," coach John Kuester said.

When, that is, Wilcox can stay out of foul trouble.

Wilcox was plagued with fouls in the first few exhibition games this season.

"He has to have intelligent fouls," Kuester said.

Wilcox has stayed under control the last two games as he's gotten used to the Pistons' system.

The fouls have noticeably decreased.

"A lot of times, I'm just running around just out of place, trying to find my rhythm," he said. "I'm trying to find out where I need to be on the court. Things like that happen right now, it's the preseason."

Signing with the Pistons wasn't a difficult decision for Wilcox, who long admired Joe Dumars and the Pistons organization.

"They've won, there's a winning tradition here," he said. "I want to be part of that."

Interesting quandary

The question is a fair one. Can Kuester really play Ben Gordon , Rip Hamilton , Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum enough minutes to really maximize each one's talents?

Kuester believes it's possible.

"I hope we can play our guards night in and night out, they deserve it," Kuester said. "I'm real pleased with the way they're competing in practice and making each other better.

"There will be nights when all of a sudden one player has it going and you have to recognize it. We have a team that trusts each other."

ted.kulfan@detnews.com (313) 223-4606