AUBURN HILLS -- It took a few years, but Tayshaun Prince no longer is getting the 'are-you-strong-enough?' questions from the media.
Instead, he's being asked that question about teammate Austin Daye, the Pistons' 2009 first-round draft pick who enters the NBA with an even skinnier frame than Prince did seven years ago. What Daye lacks in weight, he makes up for in versatility.
"He can score the Basketball, and his length is obviously a problem at 6-11," Prince said. "He's a versatile guy who can do a lot of things on the Basketball court."
Those words often have been used to describe Prince, who acknowledges the similarities between him and Daye, but also points out the differences.
"One thing he can do is he can handle the ball a lot better than me," Prince said.
No matter how many differences exist, attention will continue to center on Daye's lithe frame until he does something to prove that it's not an issue.
"Everybody talks about the strong factor," said Prince, who leads all active NBA players in consecutive starts with 436. "As you see me go each and every year and continue to play every game throughout the season, thanks to God I don't get hurt. As he continues to mature and gets experience on the court, the strength factor will come, so we can't worry about that part of the problem. But what he can do, he can help us."
Open practice scheduled
The Pistons will hold an open practice at The Palace of Auburn Hills from 12:30-2 p.m. on Oct. 10. Admission is free.
