"Tracy McGrady, true to his word, participated in a Pistons practice for the first time in nearly three weeks Sunday.

McGrady, who hasn't played since the exhibition opener against Miami, had said he would be ready for the regular-season opener, even if he didn't practice. Pistons coach John Kuester said he wouldn't play the seven-time all-star without seeing him go through real practices.

So there McGrady was, no longer on the sideline working with strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander, but on the floor, playing with and learning how to fit in with his teammates.

He said he felt like the skinny rookie with braces who played for the Toronto Raptors in 1999, when he was drafted out of high school.

"I got a chance to go up and down, I feel pretty good," McGrady said. "It was a good day."Monday will be a true gauge of where McGrady's body is, having to go through back-to-back practices. After undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee during the 2008-09 season, it has been a long road back. A road McGrady admits has had a few missteps and regrets."