The Detroit Pistons will be without the services of Anthony Tolliver in the first game of the regular season against the Atlanta Hawks. Stan Van Gundy announced before the game on Tuesday night that the stretch-four would be inactive along with Brandon Jennings (achilles rehab).
We thought Tolliver's role might diminish this year, but didn't think it would shrink to street clothes. So after initial shock among the Pistons beat writers, it turned out it has nothing to do with Tolliver's role on the team -- his wife just had a baby. Tolliver got the call in the middle of the night and took an emergency flight home to welcome his new baby girl into the world. Van Gundy said he expects Tolliver to be dressed Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz.
Expect Reggie Bullock to see some time at the three while Marcus Morris shoulders some of the added minutes at the four.
For the Hawks, Tim Hardaway Jr., son of Pistons assistant, will also be inactive. The Hawks traded their No. 19 pick to the New York Knicks for Hardaway Jr. so you'd expect him to at least be dressed. Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer softened the blow of the surprise inactive by breaking the news that the team picked up Hardaway Jr.'s option for next year. Good for him and good for the Pistons, because Hardaway Jr. killed the Pistons last year, scoring 65 points in three games.