Jonas Jerebko will start at power forward for Pistons

Auburn Hills -- For now, it'll be Jonas Jerebko starting at power forward.

But Jerebko shouldn't get comfortable.

Despite some steady and energized games lately, typical of Jerebko, the position isn't his natural spot.

He's probably more of a small forward, but because of Jerebko's tenacity and gritty play, he'll continue to start at power forward.

"As of now Jonas is playing the 4 position and that's an area where he can really help us," coach John Kuester said Wednesday after practice. "But I have confidence in all of our guys."

Kuester has started Chris Wilcox and Jason Maxiell at the 4-spot in recent weeks.

"There is nothing etched in stone in our front line right now," Kuester said.

Particularly after the way Maxiell has played of late, He had eight points and six rebounds in 27 minutes (Jerebko only played 15) during Tuesday's 97-93 victory over the Nets.

"He deserves an opportunity because of how hard he plays. He has really done a nice job," Kuester said of Maxiell.

Welcome back

Watching Tayshaun Prince and Richard Hamilton the last few games, it's apparent the veteran duo are beginning to resemble the players Pistons fans expect.

Hamilton had 22 points and seven assists, and Prince 15 points and eight rebounds against the Nets. The two also teamed up for the winning play against the Nets, Hamilton finding Prince for an alley-oop dunk off an in-bounds play.

Both missed much of the first half of the season because of injuries but Kuester, too, sees progression.

"Rip and Tayshaun looked like Rip and Tayshaun in the first game," said Kuester, noting the opening night win over Memphis in which both starred.

Slam dunks

Charlie Villanueva returned to the lineup against the Nets despite a stiff back. Villanueva only played eight minutes, but Kuester is optimistic Villanueva will be available Friday against Indiana.

... Will Bynum returned to the lineup after missing 16 games because of ankle problems and scored 10 in 16 minutes.

"It just felt good to come back and contribute," Bynum said. "It's been a long time."