Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton Near Return

Maybe, just maybe, the Pistons are going to see their roster healthy again.

Tayshaun Prince (small ruptured disc) and Richard Hamilton (severely sprained right ankle) continue to do a little more in practice each day.

Prince, especially, seems to be moving more freely.

Neither has gone through a full practice, but they're getting to that point.

"It is optimistic," coach John Kuester said. "Seeing them on the floor and doing things (strength and conditioning coach) Arnie (Kander) has them doing, certainly they're getting close.

"Unfortunately, right now we don't have a lot of time for practice, and we're in and out (of cities). They're starting to get involved in some of it, Tayshaun especially."

Kuester is thinking and dreaming about the day he has to decide whether to immediately put both in the starting lineup, or bring them off the bench.

"I look forward to making that decision," Kuester smiled.

The flip side to all of this is the fact the Pistons could be going to a mini-training camp.

Hamilton has played one regular-season game this season. Prince has played in three.

Timing, chemistry and conditioning will be factors.

"Not a total training camp, but not far out," Kuester said. "It takes time, after sitting out a month, to now all of a sudden come back and expect to play like that first game. It'll be an adjustment."