Detroit Pistons’ Ellenson and Kennard recognized again as standouts in Orlando

GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 19: Luke Kennard
GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 19: Luke Kennard /
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The Detroit Pistons have been well represented by their first round picks in Henry Ellenson and Luke Kennard, as they earn even more praise by Summer League observers.

The Detroit Pistons are coming off of a wild finish yesterday in Orlando as they were taken to double overtime against the Miami Heat.

In this intensely fought battle that felt like a playoff game, the Pistons got big performances from Henry Ellenson and Luke Kennard, for which national pundits have taken notice.

Via NBA.com:

"ORLANDO — A look at top performers from Day 4 in Orlando:Henry Ellenson and Luke Kennard, Detroit PistonsThe last two first round draft picks of the Pistons provided a 1-2 punch with 18 points apiece against Miami. The big man Ellenson continued to show off his improved outside shot make three from 3-point range and Kennard sent the game into overtime with a pair of clutch free throws."

Both hit big shots and made big stops. Kennard was solid on defense all game long, while Ellenson struggled for the latter parts of regulation, before making some key stops in the overtime periods.

Next: Pistons reportedly offer Eric Moreland a multi-year deal

I’ve been a proponent of both players for rotation minutes next season, barring any surprising trades or moves, and the more I see from these two players, the more I believe that will ultimately be the outcome–which is encouraging for a team that’s only chance of getting better right now is internal growth.