LAS VEGAS – The first hint to whether Rodney Stuckey can handle both guard spots. An idea of how Arron Afflalo’s success on college basketball’s biggest stage translates to the NBA. An inkling of the readiness of Cheick Samb to make the leap from Spain to basketball’s highest level.

Those are a few of the bullet points of an especially busy Las Vegas Summer League for the Pistons, whose roster includes two No. 1 draft picks; Samb, the Senegalese 7-footer; Jason Maxiell, whose role is expected to dramatically expand next season; and Amir Johnson, who – assuming the Pistons get the restricted free agent’s name on a contract when the signing moratorium is lifted July 11 – could play in the final three of five games on the team’s schedule.

They’re the first baby steps toward implementing Joe Dumars’ vision of injecting the Pistons with youth, enthusiasm and athleticism. Even if there are no changes to the veteran core of the team, the presence of Stuckey, Samb, Afflalo, Maxiell and Johnson could significantly alter the texture of the Pistons going forward.

“It’s always tough when you put a new group of guys together,” said Pistons assistant coach Terry Porter. “But the effort has definitely been there. I can’t fault the effort. The guys are giving me a lot of energy and now it’s just a matter of trying to go out and execute. We’ll tell more as far as where they’re at once they’re in competition. Sometimes it’s hard to go against each other. I’m sure these guys are sick of seeing each other and they’re looking forward to playing games.”

The Pistons arrived in Las Vegas – amid a near-record heat wave that saw temperatures push to 116 on Thursday – on the Fourth of July and practiced that night, following up with two more practices Thursday and another doubleheader scheduled Friday before games begin on Saturday.

Porter is running the team with help from staff holdover Igor Koskosov and newcomer Michael Curry, who fills Ron Harper’s spot on Flip Saunders’ staff.

Stuckey and Afflalo, the 15th and 27th picks in last week’s draft, both stood out from the group of mostly free agents trying to catch somebody’s eye here and earn an invitation to fall camp with the Pistons or another NBA team. Porter interspersed the two-hour evening workout with shooting drills in which pairs of Pistons would attempt to make 21 perimeter shots as quickly as possible. Stuckey and Afflalo were easy winners both times.

“He’s a lot stronger than I thought,” Porter said of Stuckey, who will start at point guard with Afflalo at his side. “I’d seen some tape, but he really does a good job of getting into the paint and being able to hold his own when he gets a bump, makes the pass when necessary or finishes at the basket.”

Maxiell also mentioned Stuckey’s strength and finishing ability as highlights of the first few practices.

“He’s a strong guard,” said Maxiell, participating in the Summer League of his own volition. “I like his game. He’s strong, he’s athletic, he gets to the rim and he’ll finish every time.”