AUBURN HILLS — Strike one against Carlos Delfino.

“I am out of shape,” he said after finishing his first official practice as a member of the Pistons Tuesday morning.

It was a bit surprising to hear that from a 22-year-old rookie trying to make a strong first impression, especially from a guy who spent the better part of the summer helping Argentina win a gold medal.

“I stopped playing after the Olympics,” he said.

The fact that he took some time off to rest and celebrate is certainly understandable. He also wasn’t the only player sucking wind and grabbing at his shorts Tuesday.

But, the fact that he came to camp out of shape feeds into one of the concerns Coach Larry Brown has had about Delfino.

“Ginobili told me he thought Carlos had a huge upside,” Brown said, referring to Delfino’s Argentina teammate and San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili. “He just needed to learn how to play hard and play with great enthusiasm. I think (Ginobili) was right on the money.

“Carlos has great skills. He’s really athletic and has a good feel for the game. My big thing is how he competes and how hard he’ll play.”

Delfino is 6-foot-6 and strong, and the Pistons are counting on him to be in the regular rotation, helping out at shooting guard and small forward.

But if there is one thing that has been consistent about Brown through his 32 years of coaching, it’s that he cuts rookies very little slack. He makes them earn every minute they get.

Thus, Brown isn’t about to start handing out assurances to Delfino.

“I am confident that he will make a contribution this season,” Brown said. “I am just not sure how quickly.”

Delfino will learn, like Darko Milicic did last season, every minute of every practice counts. His at ude, demeanor and work ethic will be scrutinized every bit as closely as his defensive tenacity and shooting proficiency. There are no days off, no “optional” practices for rookies.

“I know that the adaptation to playing in the American system will be the hardest part for me,” Delfino said. “But, whatever Larry Brown wants of me, that’s what I will try to do.”

There is nothing mysterious about what Brown wants from Delfino — get into shape and play hard, all the time.


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