Notebook: Pistons like Fielder deal; 'My kids will play baseball,' Daye says

Auburn Hills — The Tigers' signing Thursday of slugger Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $214 million contract raised a few eyebrows at the Pistons' practice facility.

"If anybody needs a loan or a mortgage, Prince is the guy," coach Lawrence Frank said joked after Thursday's practice. "I think it's great. That's some Yankee business that they're doing, to spend $214 million on an elite player.

"I think that's a great credit to (owner Mike) Ilitch."

Frank, a New Jersey native, said he'll "without a doubt" attend some Tigers games next season because of the Fielder signing, especially against the Yankees.

The baseball move also fuels Franks' fire to help turn the Pistons around so they can also get back into Detroit sports fans' conversations.

"We want to be in that discussion again," Frank said. "You want to join in on the Detroit pride."

Pistons forward Austin Daye told reporters playfully after the Fielder signing that he might be in the wrong business.

"I wish I played baseball," Daye said, smiling. "My kids will be playing baseball, I can tell you that. I'll have some 6-11 pitchers."

As for his team, Frank said it's unclear when Tayshaun Prince could return to the lineup. Prince missed Wednesday night's home loss to the Heat because of an unspecified family matter.

Will Bynum (ankle) practiced Thursday and could play Friday against the Hawks. Frank said Charlie Villanueva (ankle) remains out of the lineup.

No worries

Brandon Knight 's workload (32.2 minutes, 13 starts in 19 games) doesn't worry Frank about any potential rookie burn-out, especially with the post-lockout season nearly a third complete.

"His work ethic is unbelievable," Frank said. "He's one of the first (to get to practice) and one of the last (to leave) — relentless — and he's one of our hardest-playing guys.

"He has a great makeup. He knows how to work hard, and playing hard is a skill."

True to form, Knight was the only player on the floor when practice was over, working on free throws.

Wrong sport?

All the talk of Fielder's deal prompted Pistons forward Austin Daye to jokingly tell reporters he might be in the wrong business.

"I wish I played baseball," Daye said, smiling. "My kids will be playing baseball, I can tell you that. I'll have some 6-11 pitchers."

Slam dunks

The status of forward Tayshaun Prince (family matters) for tonight's game against the Hawks is unknown. He missed Wednesday's loss to the Heat.

... Ben Gordon (shoulder) and Will Bynum (ankle) practiced and could play. Charlie Villanueva (ankle) is out.

eric.lacy@detnews.com

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