McDyess, who started 78 games last season, has been vocal about his preference to remain a reserve. However, Pistons coach Michael Curry said it was not that difficult to convince McDyess that his play was needed more on the first unit.

"It was easy," Curry said. "He wants to win. He'll do whatever you ask. We sat down and talked Basketball. We talked about things we can do team-wise to be better. He realized this is one of those things."

More than any other Pistons starter, Rasheed Wallace should benefit from McDyess' transition.

"Another veteran who takes pride in defense," Wallace said. "Now, I won't have to cover as much floor."

McDyess can knock down perimeter shots, which should force teams' big men to play farther from the basket.

That should open opportunities for Allen Iverson and Rodney Stuckey to score while driving to the basket.

Detroit forward Tayshaun Prince said the insertion of McDyess into the starting lineup should help. But it remains to be seen how this will impact the Pistons' bench.

"When he's in the starting lineup, who is going to be that guy coming off the bench from a big standpoint?" Prince said.

Depending on the matchup, the Pistons will look to Johnson, Jason Maxiell or Kwame Brown as the first big men off the bench.

Detroit done dealing?

Monday's announced trade of guard Alex Acker and a 2011 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for a 2013 second-round pick likely will be the only deal Detroit makes before Thursday's trade deadline.

By trading Acker, Detroit cleared enough money to get under the luxury tax this season.