"There's no one more anxious for the Pistons' regular season to begin than Tracy McGrady.

McGrady hasn't played since the exhibition opener against Miami. Since then, he's circled Oct. 27, the season opener against New Jersey, as his return date.

But before the Pistons' final preseason game against Memphis, coach John Kuester said he needs to see McGrady practice five-on-five before putting him out there.

"It would be ideal, but if not, I've been in this league long enough to play basketball," McGrady said. "My next practice, I'm out there."

McGrady has been missing the explosion that made him a seven-time All-Star during the last decade. He's been working exclusively with strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander since then.

"I've been lacking that for the last two years," said McGrady, referencing his microfracture surgery. "Trying to take pressure off my knee. Pulling the sled, strengthening areas around my knee.""