Ronald Dupree is just the kind of high-energy guy I'd like to see on the bench. But despite his guaranteed contract, he's still in a battle with rookie Alex Acker for a roster spot. From the Free Press:
Dupree has played 14.8 minutes a game in four exhibition games. He has averaged 7.3 points and is shooting better than 50%. Acker has played 7.8 minutes in five exhibition appearances and has averaged 2.8 points and 2.8 assists.
Two years ago, Dupree, who went undrafted out of Louisiana State, was the final man cut from the Pistons' training camp roster. After a stint in the NBDL, he landed in Chicago, where he played 47 games with a young Bulls team.
Dupree came back to Detroit as a free agent last summer and played in 47 games off the bench for Larry Brown. But Brown wanted Dupree to earn playing time by rebounding and hustling, not scoring, as he'd done in Chicago.
"L.B. was a tough coach," Dupree said. "He demands a lot out of his young guys, and everyone in general. But he'd especially come down on the young guys."
With Flip Saunders now in charge in Detroit, Dupree is regaining his confidence on the floor, and Saunders has given him his seal of approval.
"He's working hard, and like I said, I think it's going to be difficult," Saunders said. "We'll have to see how things iron out."
Dupree fights for roster spot [Detroit Free Press]