"Charlie Villanueva admitted Tuesday afternoon at the Rose Garden he was faking it at times last season.

He was asked about coming off the bench for the first seven games this year, and without prompting said the role was something he struggled with last season -- despite telling the media he was cool with it.

And since Pistons coach John Kuester thinks coming off the bench will help the team win, Villanueva will gladly eschew hearing his name called in pregame introductions.

"It bothered me when I started off and of course coming off the bench, you wonder why and tend to put blame on yourself," Villanueva said before Tuesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

"It bothered me a little bit last year, but this year I understand my role. I know what coach expects of me. It's going out there and putting it on the floor.

"With the team that we have, with a bunch of guys that are very talented, some guys got to make some sacrifices. Me coming off the bench is a sacrifice that I'm willing to do."

Villanueva immediately became a target of fans when he disappointed during an injury-plagued first season with the Pistons after coming over from the Milwaukee Bucks and signing a five-year, $35-million deal."