Michael Stewart is back in good graces with Cavs

He went from banishment to the starting lineup.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- If Michael Stewart ever writes his memoirs, this week will be an entire chapter.
Monday he was exiled from the team by Cavaliers coach Paul Silas for reasons that remain undisclosed by all parties.
Tuesday, he was back at practice and in good graces.
Friday, he was not only activated from the injured list, but inserted directly into the starting lineup against Pistons All-Star power forward Ben Wallace.
Isn't America grand?
"It was definitely unexpected," said Stewart, who missed the last seven games with knee tendinitis. "I'm just happy to play."
Boozer still sidelined
It just illustrates how desperately the team needs the services of Carlos Boozer, who missed his fifth consecutive game with a right ankle sprain as the Cavaliers fell to the Pistons, 92-88.
Since Boozer's injury, Silas has made changes in his starters in four straight games. Now it's Jason Kapono and Stewart as the starting forwards, two players who weren't in the rotation just 10 days ago.
Until Friday night, Stewart had played just nine minutes all season. He hadn't started since Jan. 17, 2000, when he was with the Toronto Raptors.
If nothing else, it proves that Silas is a man of his word. He's said that he doesn't show partiality or hold grudges.
"If I did, there is no way Yogi [Stewart's nickname] would be starting," Silas said. "For now, we need the toughness he can bring."
Stewart and Silas cleared up their differences Tuesday morning in a five-minute conversation.
To make room for Stewart on the roster, center Bruno Sundov was placed on the injured list with a wrist contusion. Sundov started the season on the IR for Achilles tendinitis and has played in three games, averaging 2.3 points and 3.0 rebounds.
Ricky Davis and Ira Newble played Friday after both served suspensions -- one official and one unofficial -- in Wednesday's loss at New Orleans. Silas said that Davis will retain his captainship along with Zydrunas Ilgauskas. According to the coach, the disciplinary actions have already changed attitudes on the team.