Pistons president basketball operations Joe Dumars checked out the talent this week in the Final Four of the NLB in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The NLB, a regional league in the former Yugoslavia, said on its Web site that more than 50 scouts from NBA and European clubs were in attendance, at least 17 NBA teams had representatives and Dumars was the “most recognized name.”

Dumars gave an interview with kosarka.si, which was posted Thursday in Slovenian. Dumars praised the level of hoops in the NLB, said he knew a lot about basketball in the former Yugoslavia, mentioned former Pistons Darko Milicic and Zeljko Rebraca, and said he came to Slovenia’s capital to scout because the timing was right since the NCAA tournament was over and the Pistons were not in the playoffs.

Tayshaun Prince wondered aloud about how he, Wallace and Richard Hamilton would be remembered as members of the Pistons.

"When guys leave on top, it's a different scenario," said Prince, who is an unrestricted free agent, while Wallace could retire and Hamilton is likely to be traded.

"A scenario like this, where things are on a downturn, I don't know how people will perceive us."

Prince openly squabbled with coach John Kuester, along with being a part of the group that missed shoot-around in February that embarrassed the organization.

The NBA has suspended Charlie Villanueva for five games for an altercation with Cavaliers center Ryan Hollins.

Villanueva not only initiated the altercation but escalated it when he had to be restrained on the court and near the loading dock.

Villanueva sprinted from the Pistons locker room in an attempt to get to the Cavaliers locker room, and was eventually led back to the Pistons locker room by several Detroit area police officers.

Villanueva, who makes $7 million this season, will forfeit $450,000 in salary.

Charlie Villanueva had to be restrained by police in a loading dock area at The Palace of Auburn HIlls after being ejected Monday night during a 110-101 loss to Cleveland in the final home game of the season for the Pistons.

At one point, Villanueva left the Pistons locker room and raced toward the Cavaliers locker room in an attempt to confront Ryan Hollins, who was also ejected following the incident.

The incident happened with 5:47 left in the game, when Villanueva set a pick on Hollins and simultaneously swung his left fist toward Hollins’ groin area. The two locked up with each other, and each raked the other across the face before being separated.

After both were ejected, Villanueva tried to get at Hollins on the court, but was wrestled toward the tunnel by Rodney Stuckey and Pistons head of security Jerry Hendon.

Billionaire investor Tom Gores and his investment firm, Platinum Equity, have announced a "definitive agreement" to purchase the Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment from current owner Karen Davidson.

The purchase includes the NBA team, The Palace of Auburn Hills, DTE Energy Music Theatre and the operating rights to Meadow Brook Music Festival.

Terms of the agreement were not announced. The sale is subject to review and approval by the NBA's Board of Governors, which has a meeting scheduled for late next week.

Rodney Stuckey emerged from his two-game punishment to lead the Pistons to a 116-109 win over the Nets on Wednesday. He finished with 22 points and 10 assists.

Stuckey played the entire second half, making big plays down the stretch, which made John Kuester feel vindicated about his decision concerning the benching.

"Rodney Stuckey is an integral part of this organization," Kuester said. "And I think it's important that messages have to be sent. If you're not going to demand, and be committed every time you step out on that court, it's not about one individual, it's about the team."

"I let my emotions get in the way," Stuckey said. "I'm still a young player and I'm passionate about the game. I got punished, everything is good now and let's move on."

An agreement between Karen Davidson and Tom Gores for the purchase of the Pistons is getting closer, according to sources familiar with the process.

But the sources believe it's doubtful that the deal will be reached in time for next week's NBA Board of Governors meeting.

They think the process will probably stretch through the summer and maybe even into autumn.

That means the NBA will likely not approve the sale of the Pistons until the next Board of Governors meeting in October.

Ben Wallace suited up for Tuesday's game in Washington, but he doesn't know if his career is coming down to the final six games.

Wallace is under contract through next season. "I'd definitely like to honor (the contract)," Wallace said. "But I have to do what's best for me as far as my body.

"There's no use in going out there, hurting myself," he said. "I'm not getting any younger. My hair doesn't turn gray, it turns white (laughs)."

With a possible lockout next season, Wallace wouldn't be surprised if he chose to walk away.

Rodney Stuckey refused to enter the fourth quarter of Friday's game against the Bulls. He subsequently did not play in Sunday's 101-90 loss to the Boston Celtics.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Stuckey's benching Sunday was discipline by coach John Kuester for refusing to enter the game Friday.

"This is a growing process, and we've had a slight setback," Kuester said after the game of Stuckey not playing. When asked if things were being handled internally, Kuester responded, "Yes".

After Sunday's game, Stuckey repeatedly said "there are six games left."

"That's all I have to say," said Stuckey when pressed about it. "Six games left. That's it. I can survive for six games."

Stuckey will be a restricted free agent this offseason.

"Absolutely," said Stuckey when asked if he wanted to return. "At the end of the year I have to sit down with my agent, do what we have to do. But yeah, I want to return. I'm very comfortable here. I love the community, I help out a lot around here."

Former Detroit Pistons Dennis Rodman has been elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The official announcement will be made Monday at the Final Four in Houston.

Rodman won five NBA championships -- two with the Pistons and three with Chicago.

Rodman's number was retired Friday evening in Detroit.