Richard Hamilton, the Pistons' leading scorer last season, hasn't practice since suffering an ankle injury on Oct. 14 against Denver.
The Pistons have been cautious with Hamilton's return and for good reason. Asked how many practices he would need to get up to speed, Hamilton deadpanned, "One."
"We're doing different types of drills -- balance drills, working on my core," he said, "and just trying to do different things on the sideline."
Hamilton has suffered several ankle injuries but couldn't say whether this one is more painful than the others.
Hamilton said he will be ready for the opener and hopes he'll be his usual self, which means constantly moving without the ball, being able to catch and shoot in a split second, and defending at full strength.