Rising Stars invite redemption for Pistons' Caldwell-Pope

While most members of the Detroit Pistons started a six-day break today, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has two more days of responsibility before heading home to Atlanta for a brief respite.

The second-year shooting guard is the lone Pistons representative for All-Star weekend. He practiced for the league's showcase for sophomores and rookies this afternoon and the game will be Friday in New York City. The game will be televised at 9 p.m. on TNT.

For Caldwell-Pope it's an acknowledgement of his improvement from his rookie season when he was snubbed for the game.

"I'm getting better each and every day," Caldwell-Pope said Wednesday night after scoring 20 points in the Pistons' 104-87 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. "I'm still learning the game as I go. I still got a lot to go and getting better each and every day."

Caldwell-Pope, 21, has raised his scoring average six points - from 5.9 points per game to 11.9 – from his rookie season. He has started all 54 games.

"I'm looking forward to it," Caldwell-Pope said. "I'm excited, my family is excited. It's a blessing to be selected to even play in that game so I'm going up there to have fun and play hard."

Another 10-day: The Pistons signed point guard John Lucas III to second 10-day deal. He has assumed the back-up point guard spot and is averaging 4.8 points and four assists in 12.8 minutes. Originally signed on February 2, Lucas joined the Pistons following a stint with the Fujian Sturgeons of the Chinese Basketball Association where he averaged 26.6 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 43.5 minutes in 26 games.

NOTABLE: The Pistons' next game isn't until Feb. 20 vs. Chicago, they will have six days off before returning to the practice floor Wednesday. … Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said the Pistons will return to the Orlando Pro Summer League this summer. He considered competing in both the Orlando and Las Vegas summer leagues, but will just go with Orlando.

Contact Vince Ellis at vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.