A team source told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Larry Brown will return to coach the Detroit Pistons this week after missing 10 games.

Brown will rejoin the team at practice Thursday, according to the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, and will be on the bench at home Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

``I came back too soon with the hip surgery, and I have been dealing with some things for 4 1/2 months that have been difficult for me,'' he said Tuesday.