"Pistons coach John Kuester wanted to see what Tracy McGrady had in a spirited five-on-five practice today.

The outcome: Kuester was impressed and McGrady energized by his showing.

Following the hit-out, Kuester said he was delighted with McGrady's progress with the season opener against New Jersey on Wednesday.

McGrady, who signed a one-year deal with the Pistons in the off-season, has seen limited action with his new club, playing 8 minutes at Miami in the first exhibition game and being restricted at practice since.

"Tracy did a nice job," said Kuester of the seven-time All-Star who needed microfracture surgery on his left knee in February 2009. "We were able to have a good practice and the guys got after it, and it was pretty impressive. Tracy played with great intelligence out there; he obviously picked things up pretty easily."

McGrady took shooting practice to end the two-hour session. He was almost perfect on more than a dozen shots."