Mike Brudenell

Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Pistons have placed veteran center Aaron Gray on waivers, but it doesn't mean that they want him to leave Auburn Hills.

In fact, they'd like him to stick around, regardless of whether he plays again.

Gray, 29, who was signed as a free agent July 10, missed training camp and the exhibition season after a cardiac episode following a workout in late August.

While the medical condition has left Gray's playing future in doubt, Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said at practice today that the 7-footer is welcome to be a part of the franchise down the road.

"He is still allowed to do his rehab here," Van Gundy said. "We really like him and a lot of things he brings. We have asked him … if he is thinking about staying in basketball, we'd love to have him work with us during the year.

"We are trying to create a situation that can be good for him and good for us. We had to make a decision that was best for us to waive him, but at the same time, we don't want to be abandoning a guy who made a commitment to us and has been a really good guy."

Van Gundy said he was impressed by Gray's attitude.

"I hope he sees that we are not trying to kick him out the door," Van Gundy said. "In fact, we'd like him to be around. If he's able to come back (and play), great. If not, we can help him transition to the next phase of his life."

Van Gundy said he felt bad for Gray, who previously played for Chicago, New Orleans, Toronto and Sacramento, because of his dedication in attempting to catch on with the Pistons.

"Aaron worked hard this summer," Van Gundy said. "It is just really ironic that he probably got into the best shape of his playing career and spent a lot of time at it. It is really rough for him."

Note: Shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (knee) will start the season opener Wednesday at Denver (9 p.m., FSD).

Contact Mike Brudenell: mbrudenell@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mikebrudenell.