Depleted Pistons dip into D-League

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The short-handed Detroit Pistons have reached into the NBA's D-League to fill their depleted backcourt.

The Pistons signed guard Walker Russell Jr. from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Detroit coach Lawrence Frank said Russell should see minutes Friday night against Memphis.

Guards Rodney Stuckey (groin) and Will Bynum (foot) were not available, leaving the Pistons with just three healthy backcourt players.

Ben Gordon and rookie Brandon Knight were expected to start for Detroit, which also was missing forward Charlie Villanueva because of an ankle injury.

Russell is the son of former Pistons player Walker D. Russell. The younger Russell was waived by Detroit before the start of the season. He led the D-League with 9.9 assists and averaged 16.6 points in 16 games this season in Fort Wayne.