"For the ninth consecutive season, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince posed for photos and took questions at Pistons media day.

So unless president of basketball operations Joe Dumars makes a deal over the next month, Hamilton and Prince will suit up for the Pistons when they open the season Oct. 27 at New Jersey.

And you can make a case that that's the most surprising news of the summer -- and that's saying something when you consider the team drafted promising big man Greg Monroe in the first round of the NBA draft, Wings and Tigers owner Mike Ilitch announced his interest in buying the franchise, and the Pistons stunned many by signing one-time superstar Tracy McGrady to a one-year deal.

But if Hamilton and Prince are surprised they are still wearing the Pistons' red, white and blue, they didn't share it at media day Monday.

"That's the game. That's the NBA for you," said Hamilton, who is entering his 12th season. "You hear rumors all the time. I try not to get caught up in it. Ever since I've been in the NBA, you hear that every year.

"Until Joe tells me (he's been traded), I don't get caught up in all that."

Prince, entering his ninth season, also said he expected to return.

But they may have been among the few who thought a return was certain."