Notebook

Pistons intrigued by rookie Deron Washington's potential

Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Auburn Hills --Deron Washington has gotten the least attention of all the Pistons rookies this exhibition season.

There's no question Austin Daye and DaJuan Summers have attracted more notoriety.

Washington, the Pistons' second-round pick in 2008, is the most raw of the rookies. But he's also a player with intriguing potential because of his athleticism.

"Deron is just tipping his talent in regards to how good he can become," coach John Kuester said.

Washington, 6-foot-7 and 202 pounds, is adjusting to being a perimeter player after being more of a frontcourt player at Virginia Tech.

The transformation continues to be worked on every day.

"He has a ways to go, but it's been neat to watch how he's progressed," Kuester said. "That first week of practice, he was lost. Now, all of a sudden, he's starting to understand and figure out some things."

Washington gives credit for his pro development to spending last season playing in Israel for Hapoel Holon.

While averaging 14 points and seven rebounds in Israel, Washington started believing he could be an effective player at the pro level.

"It was good for me to go there because I was able to play on the perimeter," said Washington, 23. "In college I was playing the four (spot), playing around the basket, and this gave me a chance to adjust.

"My confidence has grown after playing overseas, and being able to stand and shoot more. I didn't shoot that much in college."

Washington totaled more than 1,400 points, 600 rebounds, and 100 steals and blocks at Virginia Tech.

"He's so gifted athletically, we've got to get him to change his mindset and understand he can use athleticism to pressure people (and) become a defensive stopper," Kuester said.

Rumor mill

The Tayshaun Prince-for-Stephen Jackson rumors are beginning to pop up in the blogosphere again.

The trade speculation heated up during the summer of 2008 but never materialized. It has started again, because the Warriors are fed up with Jackson's attitude.

Any potential deal appears to be a long shot. Cleveland, Dallas, New York and San Antonio are considered Jackson's likely destinations.

Also, money could be an issue, as the contracts don't match well. Prince makes $10.3 million this season and Jackson $7.6 million. The Warriors would have to throw in at least one more player.

Slam dunks

The Pistons are calling Charlie Villanueva (hamstring) "probable" for Saturday's game in Memphis. It would be Villanueva's first appearance of the exhibition season. He's missed all five games with the injury.

Prince is doubtful for Saturday. He missed Thursday's game in Dallas after suffering an injured toe earlier in the week.

... The Pistons will hold auditions for the 2009-10 Spare Tire Dance Team at 4 p.m. Wednesday and for the Pistons' Drumline at 2 p.m. Oct. 25. Both auditions will take place at The Palace.

For more information, log on to or pre-register at pistons.com.

ted.kulfan@detnews.com