Source: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009902060381 ********************************************************************* Rodney Stuckey still learning to lead BY VINCE ELLIS ‧ FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER ‧ February 6, 2009 ********************************************************************* As the season unfolds, one of the more compelling aspects of the Pistons is the development of second-year point guard Rodney Stuckey. Handed the reins of a veteran squad after the Chauncey Billups-Allen Iverson trade in November, Stuckey has had many moments -- from 40- and 38-point games to Wednesday night's solid 18-point, six-rebound, six-assist effort in a win over Miami that snapped a four-game home losing streak. But he is still developing. Pistons coach Michael Curry wants him to be more assertive in the closing stretches of games instead of deferring to seasoned teammates. "When you look at trying to complete games down the stretch, a lot of times with teams you've got to have a guy that's making the decision on who the ball is going to," Curry said after Thursday's light workout. Curry said two recent plays stand out as examples in which he believes Stuckey should have demanded the ball to settle the team and set up a good shot. In last Friday's close loss to the Celtics, Rip Hamilton rushed and committed a key turnover in the fourth quarter. In Wednesday's victory over the Heat, Rasheed Wallace rushed a three-pointer with 20 seconds left and a two-point lead. Fifteen seconds were still left on the shot clock. Fortunately for the Pistons, the shot went in, but it still underscores how Stuckey needs to take charge in tight situations. "That's his job," Iverson said after Wednesday's game. "That's what he gets paid for. "He's the point guard, and we trust him to make the right decisions and do the right thing out there on the court." Stuckey is averaging 13.9 points and 5.1 assists per game, and is still learning. Even former Pistons point guards Isiah Thomas and Billups struggled with knowing when to be aggressive and when to defer. "You're going to struggle," Curry said. "It's just a learning process and only actual time is going to speed that up. "I think he's getting better, and throughout the games he's picking his spots when to be aggressive. I'm just looking for him to, when we get down in the last 6 minutes, for him to feel comfortable with what we're running." As for Stuckey, he's confident the know-how will come. "That's something I've got to get better at -- keeping the ball at the end of the games," he said. "I'll get there." NOTEBOOK: Curry said he might consider starting backup power forward Antonio McDyess for the last 20 games of the season and into the postseason in place of Amir Johnson. But he's only considering it because he is concerned that either Rasheed Wallace or McDyess could pick up two early fouls. ********************************************************************* -- Only the strong survive- Iverson ⊕ ═█┘ ⊕ ●╱ 　　　 Ｗ ● ●︵ ● ●)) ３╯ <３\ /３⊕ ／３﹚ ３ \\ />⊕ >/ ⊕ ╲> >> ========= http://www.wretch.cc/blog/AWEI3 ========= --

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