Print
RSS 
Sign up for E-newsHappy Homecoming
Related Images
It’s much the same story as unfolded on Nov. 9, 2008, when Stuckey fell to his knees just seconds before halftime at The Palace in a game against Boston. After a few moments, he rose to his feet and walked unsteadily toward the locker room, but needed to sit in a hallway before getting there. He didn’t accompany the team the next day as it headed to California to begin a four-game road trip, missing two games while also undergoing the gamut of medical tests in which his heart function and everything else checked out normally.
Stuckey was released from Cleveland Clinic on Saturday afternoon, where he had spent the night, accompanied by Pistons trainer Mike Abdenour and Ryan Hoover, director of player development. A brief statement released by the Pistons said Stuckey would undergo further testing in Detroit. Contrary to initial reports, Stuckey did not suffer a seizure and never lost consciousness.
“We’re just so glad he’s going to be all right,” John Kuester said after Saturday’s practice. “That’s the most important thing. It was a very disturbing sight. It was a concerning situation. We wanted to make sure he was OK and we’re getting good news.”
Kuester spoke to Stuckey before he and the rest of the team returned to Detroit after Friday’s 99-92 loss, in which the Pistons led by 21 points in the first half, and said Stuckey sounded upbeat and strong.
“I did speak to him last night and I spoke to Mike Abdenour today. He was in good spirits. We had a good conversation. He was very alert. I just made sure he was doing OK and told him how much we were concerned about him, said make sure you’re taking care of yourself.”
Stuckey was turning around to say something to Jonas Jerebko just before taking a seat on the Pistons’ bench and slumping forward, where Kander grabbed him and trainer Dave Boyer rushed in to help treat Stuckey.
“What happened is scary, you know what I mean,” said Jerebko, who has become one of Stuckey’s closest friends among the Pistons. “In the moment, when you’re there, it’s really scary. But I’m glad he’s OK and he’s feeling good and back to himself. I can’t wait until he gets back. I was just worried about him and his family. I’ve seen stuff like that before and it didn’t end well. That’s why I got very scared.”
“When something like that happens on the bench, it’s just something that runs through your mind – you know, what ifs,” Tayshaun Prince said. “It’s just kind of tough to go back out there and play, but it’s good that everything is OK and we look forward to having him back as soon as possible. We know this is something you’ve got to take your time with and make sure everything is fine.”
In addition to the November 2008 incident, Stuckey came out of the Jan. 15 overtime win over New Orleans after telling Kuester he didn’t feel right. He re-entered the game and played well in the overtime session, but went to the hospital after the game and took intravenous fluids to treat dehydration.
“My first thing was that it happened to him before a few years ago – not to that extent,” Prince said. “Probably just dehydrated or probably hadn’t eaten before the game. You can get dizzy that way. That’s the things that ran through my mind.”
The Pistons have no timetable for a return and won’t until more is known as a result of further testing. Kuester said among the possibilities for Sunday’s game with Houston are starting Will Bynum in Stuckey’s spot or starting Ben Gordon and running more of the offense through Prince.
It’s also very unlikely that Ben Wallace, suffering from a right patella tendon strain, will play against Houston. Though he is listed as day to day, “I don’t think it’s going to be tomorrow,” Kuester said.
