Mar 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Detroit Pistons center Joel Anthony (50) goes for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers forward Jerami Grant (39) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Stan Van Gundy says he must be more patient with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope by Dan Feldman

Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press on Joel Anthony:

Van Gundy said he “would love to have him back”

“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.”

This shouldn’t be surprising, given Van Gundy’s high praise of Anthony.

I wouldn’t hate re-signing Anthony – as long as the Pistons don’t offer better than a one-year, minimum contract.

He has played well in limited minutes this season, but he’s a 32-year-old big man with clearly declining athleticism. The bottom could fall out at any moment. Plus, if the Pistons keep Anthony, that’s a roster spot committed to someone with no long-term upside.

Is Van Gundy ready to do that? The Pistons should be in the playoff mix next season, but there’s no guarantee they make it. They’re not at the point where signing the veteran most capable of immediately contributing is the best move. Developing players for two or three years down the road is still important.

The Pistons probably wouldn’t acquire someone who turns better than Anthony if they go younger at third center. But if they go younger, they at least give themselves a chance.