Forward Tayshaun Prince out indefinitely with ruptured disc
Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News
Auburn Hills -- All those Tayshaun Prince trade rumors can be put to rest for the time being.
The Pistons announced Saturday that Prince will be out of the lineup indefinitely because of a small rupture of a disc in his lower back. The injury was confirmed following an MRI exam late this week and by evaluation by team doctors.
Prince will continue to receive treatment.
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The injury is a crushing blow to Prince, one of the more durable players in the league. Before getting hurt, Prince had a streak of 496 games played -- and 439 consecutive starts -- dating to the 2003-04 season.
Prince played in the first three games this season, averaging 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 38.7 minutes.
The injury bug actually affected Prince in the exhibition season, as well. Prince sprained and severely cut his right toe during a preseason game in Grand Rapids against the Washington Wizards and missed four games.
With Prince out of the lineup, coach John Kuester likely will continue with rookie Jonas Jerebko starting at the small forward spot, with rookie Austin Daye also getting playing time.
Kuester also has played three guards extensively, with either Rodney Stuckey or Richard Hamilton -- also out of the lineup with a sprained right ankle -- seeing time at the three position.
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