Tayshaun Prince frustrated with injury

Los Angeles -- Sitting is driving Tayshaun Prince crazy.

He's played nearly 500 consecutive games and is now on the outside, all because of a small ruptured disc in his back.

"It's very frustrating," Prince said Tuesday after shoot-around at UCLA. "Chris Paul (New Orleans guard) said it best after he twisted his ankle: 'I hate not being with my teammates and not being to help my teammates.' That's how you feel.

"When you're not playing, you're not part of that family, that bond, and you want to be part it ... Your competitiveness makes you want to play through anything, but you can't do it."

Prince missed the last seven games and won't play during the Pistons' current trip.

"Out indefinitely," he said. "And you know I don't like to say that because I like to be on the court. The good thing is I'm feeling better."

Prince said he's on this trip because he didn't want to be away from strength coach Arnie Kander for an entire week.

Summer time

This is different for DaJuan Summers .

Throughout college (Georgetown) and high school, Summers always has been on the floor, especially in crunch time.

In his rookie season, as expected, Summers has been firmly seated on the bench.

"At the same time it's a learning experience and it's a long year," said Summers, a second-round pick. "I'll be fine."

Pistons coach John Kuester is sure Summers will be OK.

"Just because he wasn't playing, it's not like he wasn't contributing," coach Kuester said.

At 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds, Summers can play multiple positions. He's still catching up to the speed of the game, but his strength and work ethic appear to be NBA caliber.

Around the Ben

Everyone knew Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva would help the Pistons offensively.

But they've also surprised people on defense.

The Pistons are in the top half of several team defensive statistics, partly due to the effort the two supposedly offensive-minded players are putting forth.

Part of the reason Gordon and Villanueva are effective is the same reason others are playing well on defense: Ben Wallace .

Along with being a teacher on the court, Wallace provides motivation and solid work habits.

"He plays with so much energy," Gordon said.

Said Kuester: "I knew Ben would be an asset talking to our bigs. I never imagined he'd have the impact playing that he's having ... He looks like the old Ben."

Slam dunks

Richard Hamilton (twisted right ankle) is with the team but won't play during the trip.

... The four Western Conference teams the Pistons face this current trip all made the playoffs and were a combined 213-115 last season.

... Hamilton, Gordon, Prince, Villanueva and Rodney Stuckey are on the NBA All-Star ballot. This year's game is Feb. 14 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

By the numbers

0 Games the Pistons have allowed an opponent to shoot 50 percent or higher

3 Pistons home victories

16 Shot attempts Ben Gordon had Sunday vs. Dallas (made one shot)

Man of glass

Rodney Stuckey leads all point guards in rebounding with 6.2 per game. He's recorded five or more rebounds in eight of 10 games:

Reserve judgment

Will Bynum, who comes off the bench, is one of the most improved players statistically:

“He was phenomenal. His ability to take the ball to the basket — he was really focused on attacking. That was the thing that I was most impressed with him. He’s getting better and better each game. His defense at times was outstanding.”

-- John Kuester , Pistons coach, on Rodney Stuckey’s 28-point, four-rebound, two-assist performance in Sunday’s 95-90 loss to the Mavericks.

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