Jerebko and Daye Fitting In Well

Last Updated: November 10. 2009 4:02PM
Pistons: Notebook
Jonas Jerebko and Austin Daye are filling in well
Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Auburn Hills -- Life won't be easy for the indefinite time Tayshaun Prince is going to be out of the Pistons lineup.

But while Prince is healing his small ruptured disc, suitable replacements appear to have been found.

Rookies Jonas Jerebko and Austin Daye combined for 17 points, five rebounds, and quality defense in Sunday's victory over the 76ers, the first game since the Pistons announced Prince will be out of the lineup indefinitely.

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Replacing Prince's experience, and savvy on the floor, isn't going to happen. The rookies can't match Prince in those departments.

But in terms of statistics, maybe they'll be able to come close.

"I was very impressed with their willingness to play defense and their energy," said coach John Kuester, who hasn't been afraid to use either rookie liberally from the start of training camp. "Jonas and Austin have done a real nice job."

Daye scored seven points in 14 minutes, 57 seconds of playing time but easily could have had more. He missed all four of his 3-point attempts, and a pair of point-blank shots that Daye has continually missed since arriving in Detroit.

"I was teasing with Austin, he had about two of three real good looks, I hadn't seen him miss that many times all season," Kuester said.

While Jerebko earned a chance to play significant minutes from the start, Daye has gradually earned more time in recent games.

At 6-foot-11, Daye has great length, if not strength. But from the start of training camp, he has not backed down.

During the exhibition season, Daye earned a one-game suspension for getting into a minor scuffle with Milwaukee's Carlos Delfino.

Jerebko, incidentally, was suspended for one game, too, for fighting with Miami's Jamal Magloire.

"Both of those guys (Daye, Jerebko) are not afraid to mix it up," Kuester said. "You think Austin is going to get broken in half, but he's mentally tough and physically he'll take the challenge."

Jerebko had a career-high 10 points Sunday, but it continues to be his hustle and effort around the basket that make the Swedish second-round draft choice a revelation.

"You see him get those extra possessions, those are key offensive rebounds and putbacks," Kuester said. "They can change the momentum of a game."