DRAFT PICKS:
Trent Plaisted, PF/C, 6-11, BYU -- Plaisted, a left-hander, has some effective low-post moves plus a decent mid-range jumper. He also runs the floor well for a man his size. He has been asked to play overseas this season, and he has reportedly signed to play for Biella in Italy. Deron Washington, F, 6-6, Virginia Tech -- Washington is a good defender and slasher who needs to work on his shooting. Like Plaisted, the Pistons have asked him to find a spot overseas this season.
PLAYER NOTES:
--F Jason Maxiell could become a restricted free agent next summer if he doesn't sign a contract extension by the end of training camp. But Maxiell says he'll be back in Detroit next season no matter how the negotiations wind up.
--SG Richard Hamilton will play more often this season at small forward when Tayshaun Prince sits. Hamilton guarded small forwards off and on last season, most notably LeBron James. He also played that position in college.
"It's not what you see, it's what you've got inside," he said. "I've got the heart of a lion. If you see me start getting punked down there, then it's a problem. Then, I've got to walk away from the game."
--C Rasheed Wallace has changed his number back to 30, the number he had when the Pistons won the title in 2004. He had been wearing No. 36 in recent seasons as a tribute to a family member.
"I said to myself I'd give 36 a few years," he said. "Now, I'm just back to the original number."
