Mike Brudenell

Detroit Free Press

Six practices into training camp and Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy continues to like what he sees.

On Day 4 of Pistons camp in Auburn Hills, Van Gundy said today:

"I like the way our practice is. The guys are working extremely hard, really trying to execute, trying to do the right thing. I'm really, really happy with our approach."

The Pistons' 3-plus-hour workout today included a 48-minute scrimmage, said Van Gundy.

"This is a good team to coach (right now)," he said. "Everybody is working really, really hard. Because of that, everyone is being challenged all the time. Guys are playing against good players. It's been good."

Van Gundy said he was impressed with the depth of the Pistons at camp.

"The first team versus the second team -- we've even got guys behind them," said Van Gundy of the player chart. "There is really no easy matchups. Andre is playing against two really good players (Aron Baynes and Boban Marjanovic). It's tough, and I think it makes you more competitive out there. Everybody is pushing everybody."

Van Gundy likes Marjanovic, the 7-foot-3, 290-pound big man from Serbia, whom the Pistons signed July 12 from San Antonio Spurs..

"He's unstoppable down low," said Van Gundy. "I don't think anybody has an answer for that. And he'll even get better. He works extremely hard. Once he gets established in the half court, there is not a good way to play him. He is so big and so skilled for a guy his size. He's a very efficient guy, who does a good job getting up and down the court, and he always tries."

Van Gundy agreed that as it stands in camp now, Drummond is No. 1, Baynes No. 2 and Marjanovic No. 3 at center.

"Yes, right now, that is how it is," said Van Gundy. "Baynes has been great. He's a very, very smart guy. Baynes is able to go from one play to the next, make multiple efforts. A very good player and special in his focus and concentration."

Van Gundy said based on camp so far, a number of players have shown improvement over the summer.

"Some guys have certainly improved skills and it will help us," said Van Gundy. "I also think we are a focused group right now."

Banged up: Forward Marcus Morris missed the bulk of practice again today because of a hand injury.

"He came out and tried," said Van Gundy. "If it were a season game, he would have probably gone ahead and given it a shot. But he was struggling with it a little bit."

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