With Leuer hurt, Henry Ellenson could crack rotation Detroit Pistons rotation
With Jon Leuer out indefinitely with a knee injury, the Detroit Pistons may give rookie Henry Ellenson a shot in their rotation.
The Detroit Pistons were shocked when Henry Ellenson fell all the way down to them at 18 in the first round of the draft–and rightfully so, he was a projected top 5-10 pick.
Ellenson had a very nice offseason and impressed players and coaches alike. But when the Pistons signed Jon Leuer, it was unclear what type of role he’d have in his rookie season.
As it turned out, Leuer has been fantastic and the need to insert Ellenson into the rotation has been non-existent.
With Leuer out, it might be Ellenson time.
"“Somewhere in here, within these next couple of games, with anticipating Jon out for a couple of games, so somewhere in here, Henry will probably get a shot,” Van Gundy said at Golden 1 Center before the Pistons faced the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night."
A knock on Ellenson’s game is he’s not a very good defender due to his slender frame and lack of foot quickness.
The good news is this is something he’s been working on heavily–per Van Gundy’s ask–during his stents in the D-League.
"“It’s just coming with a defensive mind-set when being sent down, it’s being focused, always talking and knowing where my guy is at and everything,” said Ellenson, 19. “It’s just being aware on the court.”"
I don’t know what Ellenson will be able to contribute–or if he’ll even get the opportunity–but I love his game and what he projects to be long-term.
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Hopefully Van Gundy gives him an opportunity.