Even some of Detroit's players who are back are still playing through injuries. Will Bynum continues to battle despite two sore ankles, and Charlie Villanueva is competing despite a broken nose and plantar fasciitis. Last night in the Pistons' home loss to the L.A. Lakers, Villanueva took off his mask he had been wearing to protect his nose - a gutsy move to say the least.
In addition to their injuries, the Pistons are struggling with how to best utilize guard Rodney Stuckey. Typically a point guard, Stuckey has had to spend time playing shooting guard to compensate for the injuries to Hamilton and Gordon. Even as a point guard, he's primarily been looking to score as opposed to setting up teammates on the offensive end. His assists have been extremely low to the point where John Kuester, Pistons Head Coach, had addressed the issue publicly.
The Pistons remain hopeful that they can get back to full-strength and insert Stuckey back to the point guard spot. Having a healthy Hamilton and Gordon would instantly provide Stuckey with better scoring options on the perimeter.
Steve St-Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
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