"When the Pistons signed Tracy McGrady to a one-year deal before last season, he told president of basketball operations Joe Dumars that he was going to return to his old form.

McGrady told the Free Press on Friday that day is now, and nearly three years removed from microfracture surgery on his left knee, he is back to his seven-time All-Star form.

But will Pistons fans watch him try to live up to that proclamation when the regular season begins this month?

Or will he be playing for a contender such as the Bulls or Heat?

McGrady wouldn't discuss his prospects, saying only that the Pistons have reached out to his agent and he is open to playing anywhere.

But he said he is ready to go.

"I told Joe D that I was going to take the year and get completely healthy," McGrady said. "I am back, I have my athleticism, my knee is a lot stronger, my body is in shape. I have no restrictions.

"Everything will fall into place."

Before his health issues, McGrady, 32, was a star with spectacular dunks as a normal part of his game. He showed flashes of that form last season, bringing occasional stability to the lineup.

But the Pistons handled him with care. He didn't play in any exhibition games, and his minutes were monitored early in the season under the watchful eye of strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander."