AUBURN HILLS -- Antonio McDyess, often viewed as a starter despite coming off the bench, might join the first unit later this season.
Detroit Pistons coach Michael Curry said the earliest the change would occur would be in the team's last 20 games. "We know how valuable he is, and we want him down the stretch," Curry said.
McDyess started 78 games last season, but the return to the first unit for the Pistons has its risks.
If Rasheed Wallace or McDyess picked up early fouls, Curry would have "to depend so much on the other guys in the post. That's what scares me the most."
Curry has played McDyess starter-like minutes lately. He averages 24.9 minutes per game this season, but is up to 31.2 minutes in the Pistons' past five games
McDyess has made the most of his increased time.
In Detroit's past five games, McDyess has averaged 7.6 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting 51.5 percent from the field. In the Pistons' win Wednesday against the Heat, he had eight points and a season-high 17 rebounds.
"When you watch him play, wouldn't you want to be out there competing with him?" Curry said. "The guys have an opportunity to play with a great guy that leaves it out on the floor every night. He doesn't say much, but he's a heck of a leader."
