Oct 29, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Detroit Pistons center Joel Anthony (50) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Stan Van Gundy on Joel Anthony, via David Mayo of MLive:

Joel’s a pro’s pro.

He’s the first guy in the building every day, does his work, stays ready.

He’s the kind of guy you want on your roster because he’s always ready when called upon, he doesn’t check out. It’s truly an honor to coach a guy like him.

Anthony has played more lately with Andre Drummond’s concussion scare and Greg Monroe’s lingering injury, and he’s played reasonably well.

His contract ends after this season, and is it crazy to think Van Gundy might want to re-sign the 32-year-old? As signing Aaron Gray to a multi-year contract showed, this is a roster spot where Van Gundy values continuity

This isn’t the first time the self-made Anthony has drawn praise from a coach. I think he’s the real deal in that regard.

But I also think his physical skills have diminished. Anthony is on the downswing of his NBA career. His production is likely to regress even further, and it’s not that high right now.

I wouldn’t absolutely hate bringing him back on a one-year minimum contract, but I’d prefer the Pistons upgrade and/or get younger instead.