Van Gundy wants Joel Anthony to return to Pistons

Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy didn't hesitate.

He was asked Friday morning whether he would want to re-sign backup center Joel Anthony for next season.

Van Gundy said he "would love to have him back" and that Anthony, 32, is having the best year of his eight-year career.

Huh?

Based on traditional stats, his numbers are pedestrian with averages of 1.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots per game in limited minutes.

But Van Gundy's comments make sense when looking at Anthony's advanced stats.

He has a player efficiency rating of 15.36 — the highest of his career. Anthony's true shooting percentage (accounting for free throws and three-pointers) is the best of his career as well.

The Pistons will have roughly $30 million in salary-cap room this summer and will be looking to spend on more luxurious items.

But for his professionalism and locker-room persona, Anthony is a possibility when the Pistons are ready to fill out the roster in the latter part of the off-season.

"Again, it's going to come down to a money thing, how much money you have left, if that's going to be enough to get him, and what Joel wants to do," Van Gundy said. "But there's not going to be any question from our side that we want him back. He's a guy you can count on, his attitude's great. He's still a hell off a defensive player. Your team can play great defense with him on the floor, and if you look at just his numbers statistically, even in limited minutes, this has been the best year of his career, so he's been very efficient."

■Sweet shot: Anthony Tolliver was an unsung hero in Saturday's 99-98 comeback win over the Miami Heat.

He made a career-high five three-pointers, scoring 15 points. Tolliver did a lot to keep the Pistons (30-47) alive until Reggie Jackson came to the rescue in the fourth quarter.

After a prolonged shooting slump, Tolliver is shooting 45.2% from three-point range over the past five games.

The Pistons face a deadline in the off-season to fully guarantee Tolliver's $3-million salary for next season or waive him. It's likey the Pistons will bring him back, but Van Gundy said before Saturday's game that he doesn't view Tolliver as a long-term answer for the starting lineup at power forward.

He has started 11 straight games since Greg Monroe suffered a right knee injury.

Contact Vince Ellis: vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.