FanShot

Rodney Stuckey shouldn't chance a return this season

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Jamie Samuelsen writes for the Detroit Free Press that Stuckey should take the rest of the year off. His basic argument is that Stuckey has relatively little to gain by playing the last month, and theoretically everything to lose. I disagree.I like Stuckey a lot, and I wish him only the best, but I have to disagree with a couple of points in the article. There is DEFINITELY something to play for this year other than pride, as far a Stuckey is concerned. He is a young player who is still developing his game. If you take him off the court, his game can not continue to grow. He does still have doubters who don't think he can or should play PG for the Pistons. He cannot possibly prove them wrong sitting on the bench. Plus, he still needs to develop chemistry with two of the Piston's long term new guys: CV31 and Gordon. I'm not suggesting Stuckey play if there is any HINT that his long term health might be in question. However, if the TEAM doctors (not some random Dr. Nick off the street) clear him, then I expect they've done every test imaginable and can't determine that anything is wrong, long-term. Lots of things can lead to fainting; low blood-sugar, or dehydration for example. These would not be life threatening.