Hobbled Pistons Call on Rookies

Posted: Nov. 27, 2009
Hobbled Pistons call on rookies
BY VINCE ELLIS

With Ben Gordon's status uncertain for tonight's home date with the Clippers, the focus turns again to the Pistons' rookies.

That's nothing new since the focus has been on forwards Jonas Jerebko, Austin Daye and DaJuan Summers since the trio starred in summer league.

But while the plan might have been to ease them into the NBA, that plan has gone out the window since Rip Hamilton (ankle sprain) and Tayshaun Prince (ruptured disk) have missed huge chunks of the season.

Jerebko is filling in for Prince, and with Gordon suffering a left ankle sprain in Wednesday night's loss to the Cavs, there's a chance that either Daye or Summers could get the starting nod at shooting guard against the Clippers.

"It's tough to have a lot of your veterans go down, but the younger guys got to step up and make plays and hopefully be guided by our young core," Daye said Wednesday.

The rash of injuries has accelerated the progress of the trio. All have had their moments, but a common theme among the group is that each is trying to play slower instead of being in a rush.

"It's actually funny because the adjustment I had to make, because the game is faster, is slow myself down, because the game is so fast you don't want to get in the habit of rushing yourself," Summers said.
But the trio haven't looked overwhelmed and the organization is pleased with the progress.
Everything will be OK, if they slow down and relax.

"You got to know your looks and know when your looks are coming and be comfortable enough to knock down your shots and take your shots and just play comfortable," Summers said. "You can't play any game tense or tight, so just relax and it'll work out."