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**spongyfungy** · 12-07-2005, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Q. What's going on with Carlos Delfino? He seems to be out of the rotation.

A. Well, he has been out of the rotation, but that hasn't been a reflection on his play. His benching has been a function of the excellent play of Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton.

Pistons president Joe Dumars and coach Flip Saunders have talked with Delfino about his situation. They have assured him his time will come and encouraged him to stay ready.

Delfino played more than 12 minutes Saturday. He had five points and a block, but he was overmatched defensively against Luol Deng.

Hamilton and Prince are averaging the most minutes on the team (Hamilton 36, Prince nearly 38). Saunders admits right now he doesn't believe he can have both players on the bench at the same time, though he did sit both Saturday for a spell.

So, he is able to use one guy to sub for those two, and Maurice Evans is that guy. It won't always be that way, Saunders said.

"Carlos is a guy I think can help us," he said. "But those two guys (Prince and Hamilton) have been as consistent as anybody on our team. That's why we've run into a tough situation with Carlos."

Q. How is Delfino dealing with it?

A. As well as you would expect. He understands, to a point. He's been professional, and he's continued to work hard and support the team.

But he is frustrated. More than once he has been told he would play and ended up not getting off the bench.

"Why even talk to me?" he said. "Don't tell me nothing."

Before the game Saturday, when he knew he would play, he said, "Now they are going to (play) me, after I haven't done anything for a month."

There was a rumor floating around that Delfino had asked Dumars to trade him. He and Dumars strongly deny that.

"I have not (asked for a trade)," Delfino said. "I just want to play."

Saunders is searching for ways to reduce Prince's workload and insists Delfino will get his shot.

Delfino sits for a reason

Prince, Hamilton get most of the minutes

**Austin Kent** · 12-07-2005, 01:52 PM

I've been in Delfino's position before: being told you'd get some burn, and then not. It is almost better for the coaches to not say anything. This situation is a good situation to be in as it is basically just a testament to our depth, which one us a championship just two years ago. He'll be fine, on the average human basketball team a player would go down with an injury and he'd be in perfect position to step right in.

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