Pistons will try Miller at small forward for now

CLEVELAND – The first item on the Quincy Miller agenda?

The Detroit Pistons are trying to figure out where Miller belongs – at small forward or power forward – for the time being.

After getting significant playing time the past two games at small forward, the verdict is in: You will see him at the three-spot in Wednesday night's season finale against the New York Knicks.

And that's very likely where you will see him when he is in the starting lineup of the Pistons' summer-league roster in Orlando.

"I don't think that's his comfort zone yet, but if you look at his skills and you look at his body, I'd think that would be the way to go," Van Gundy said before Monday night's 109-97 loss at the Cleveland Cavaliers. "We've seen him play more at the (power forward) with D-League stuff, things like that.

"We want to see him some at (small forward) so that's where we'll play him – probably – exclusively down the stretch."

The Pistons brought in Miller, 22, for a look a few days after the Feb. 19 trade deadline and later signed him to a partially guaranteed deal for next season that will have him with the team through training camp, at least.

As to be expected, Miller has looked tentative in his first extended playing time. Van Gundy had to point him where to go on several possessions in Sunday's 116-77 thumping of the Charlotte Hornets in the home finale. He was able to knock down two three-pointers against the Hornets.

He was 0-for-5 against the Cavs, making him 2-for-10 the past two games.

"I wasn't nervous, but I was trying to aim so perfectly that I was missing a few – ones that I usually make," Miller said after Sunday's game. "I started to get more comfortable as the game went on. I hadn't played in so long so once I got into the flow it was fine."

Miller appreciates the chance with the Pistons.

"It definitely means a lot," Miller said. "I want to be here. I want to be a part of the future of this organization and part of coach Van Gundy's plan. I'm just out there trying to play as hard as I can and make an impression."

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