<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">AUBURN HILLS -- Second-year Pistons power forward Jason Maxiell guarantees he won't become a diva, even if he continues to pleasantly exceed expectations in training camp. He has Rasheed Wallace keeping him honest, critiquing Maxiell's moves with a non-stop stream of good-natured sarcasm during practice. And Maxiell himself wants to stay humble, as he knows he still has more work to do to improve as a player. The early results have been promising. Maxiell, noticeably stronger and leaner, has brought a tough rebounding force and contagious energy off the bench. "I appreciate Rasheed not giving (respect), that's good for me not to get a big head," Maxiell said, smiling. "I'm just going to enjoy the moment and keep doing what I do." Maxiell's recent slate of strong games is moving him closer to the rotation and also building his mental strength. "I think any time you do well, it is a confidence-builder," Maxiell said. "But that's what I am expected to do: I was drafted to come in, play hard and rebound. Whenever I am needed to come in and get a big rebound, offensive rebound, I'll play. I don't care about the minutes." Pistons coach Flip Saunders likes what he sees from Maxiell, especially the consistent, sustained effort. "He's come to be where he's so productive that he's become a guy we go to sometimes in the fourth quarter," Saunders said. "He's made big buckets, big free throws down the stretch, so those are the things you like to see from the young guys. Can they do it down the stretch in games? And that's what he's done."</div> Source
