"Tracy McGrady keenly observed last week's announcement of the starters for next month's All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

And he will be watching when the reserves are announced this week.

McGrady has little doubt he can regain the form that made him a seven-time All-Star before playing with a bum left knee.

"There's no question about that," McGrady said Friday when asked if he can return to the All-Star Game.

"Even if I'm not an All-Star, I want to get back to that form of player. I feel it's coming. I'm not too far off from that level."

With the way he's playing, you tend to believe him. A case can be made that McGrady has been the Pistons' most valuable player.

That's not what was expected when the Pistons signed the 14-year veteran to a one-year, league-minimum deal in August, as he was still trying to regain his form after microfracture surgery on his left knee in February 2009.

McGrady flirted with a triple-double (14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds) in Friday night's 88-87 loss against the Heat.

"To see where he's come from the beginning of the season to now, he has really grown leaps and bounds in regards to running the team, showing leadership, caring about the game," coach John Kuester said.

Adding to McGrady's confidence is that he will be able to work on his conditioning in the summer without pain."