With center Zeljko Rebraca's playing future uncertain because of an irregular heartbeat and Don Reid out for the season with a torn right Achilles tendon the Detroit Pistons yesterday turned to a true veteran for help, signing ex-Clipper star Danny Manning to a 10 day contract before the team took on his former club.

"It's a team of great chemistry," Manning said. "They want me here and I want to be here. I feel like I can make a contribution. I don't know if it's going to be on the court or in games, but I can come to practice every day and find my niche. It's nice to be back in the league and it's nice to go to a team that's doing well and is successful."

To make room for Manning the Pistons placed guard Pepe Sanchez on the injured list with right patellar tendinitis.