Pistons send Tony Mitchell back to D-League

Sep 29, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tony Mitchell (9) during media day at the Pistons practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tony Mitchell (9) during media day at the Pistons practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Pistons sent Tony Mitchell to the Grand Rapids Drive of the D-League, according to Keith Langlois of Pistons.com.

That means Mitchell isn’t in Phoenix tonight (putting him in company with many Suns fans) and surely won’t join Detroit on its road trip. It really doesn’t matter much on this level. Mitchell has yet to play this season.

Hopefully, his time in Grand Rapids helps him develop. This is Mitchell’s second trip to the D-League, and the first didn’t last too long.

This is the advantage of the Pistons having their own D-League affiliate so close. They can shuttle Mitchell back and forth, getting him instruction directly from Stan Van Gundy and game experience under Otis Smith.