William "Smush" Parker knows his days as the Detroit Pistons' third point guard could soon be drawing to a close.

His name has been prominently mentioned in a trade that would send him with fellow point guard Horace Jenkins to the Chicago Bulls for Frank Williams, adding some experience to the Pistons' championship backcourt. Although the trade has been put on hold until Parker's contract becomes eligible to be traded on Dec. 30, there is a still a chance the trade may be pulled off the table.

But the way Parker sees it, he was in a lame-duck situation with the Pistons from the start of training camp.

"Guys in my position, guys who are on a nonguaranteed contract, you know you're always going to be on pins and needles," he said. "You're always skating on thin ice. That's the business of basketball. I learned that my rookie year. I am not worried about things I cannot control."

Parker, who has said he would prefer to stay in Detroit, has played in seven of the Pistons' 21 games. He is on the injured list and most likely will remain there until the new year.

"The Detroit Pistons have given me a great opportunity to be part of this team," he said. "But I want to be able to contribute on the court, as well as in practice and off the court. I want to help this team win basketball games, and I believe I can."