Flip Murray decided in early June to exercise his option and return to the Pistons for a second season. A few days later, the Pistons drafted guards Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo in the first round.
"I didn't take it as no message," Murray said of the Pistons' draft. "They felt they wanted to get some guards. That was their decision. It didn't affect me. I knew I was going to have to come in and fight for my position. Everywhere I've gone I've had to fight for my position."
Murray trimmed 15 pounds off his 6-foot-3 frame and came to training camp determined to win a spot in the crowded backcourt rotation.
"I just wanted to come in and play my game, be aggressive and do the things that I really do," he said. "I don't think last year I was able to do the stuff I really do. This year, I am taking it in my own hands to play my game. Whenever I have a chance to make something happen, I am taking that chance."