Stan Van Gundy comments on Henry Ellenson’s play
The Detroit Pistons have high expectations for Henry Ellenson, their 2016 first round draft pick. Through three Orlando Summer League games, Stan Van Gundy really likes what he sees.
Henry Ellenson has the type of skill-set that will would make any team excited. He’s 6’11 1/2″, can shoot the three, rebound, pass, and create his own shot off of the dribble.
In Orlando, Ellenson has shown his offensive versatility for the Detroit Pistons hitting threes, driving to the rim and finishing, knocking down turn-around jumpers, and setting up teammates with easy buckets.
"“You see the stretch fours who are basically just pick-and-pop guys. Not so much guys who can get their own shot and play off the dribble,” Van Gundy said Tuesday after watching Ellenson show flashes of an exciting offensive arsenal. “His shooting’s got to improve to be able to really stretch the floor, but what he has is that element of being able to put the ball on the floor and get a shot. He can face up in the mid-post area and jab step and create shots. He’s got a lot of really good things to work with.”In Tuesday’s win over Indiana, the moment Ellenson provided Van Gundy with the most enticing view of his future came in the fourth quarter of a one-point game. With the shot clock winding down, Ellenson received the ball about 18 feet out on the right wing, dribbled and stepped back to launch a one-foot jump shot that eerily called to mind Dirk Nowitzki – especially as it swished cleanly through the net.“Huge,” Van Gundy said. “That’s exactly what it was – Dirk-like step-back. Now, Dirk shoots a high percentage on that. So it’s one thing to be able to get the shot off; it’s another to knock it down on a consistent basis. We need some tweaks, nothing major, but some tweaks to his shooting mechanics and I think he can get there. But I’m really happy with his offensive approach and where I think he can get to.”"
Ellenson is averaging 12 points per game in Orlando on just under 30% shooting. His shooting percentage needs to come way up, but he’s taking great shots. Watching him shoot, it’s a bit of a surprise how low his field goal percentages is, because his form is flawless–I would bet that his percentage goes up the more comfortable he gets.
That said he needs to work on getting more shots at the rim. He’s got a great post game, but spends most of his time playing around the perimeter. This is most likely due to what is being asked of him by the coaching staff.
I think his decision making has been above average offensively, but he’s also got work to do on the defensive end, particularly boxing out, where he seems to be moved into poor position at times due to a lack of strength. That will come with time as he shapes his body in an NBA program.
Overall, I’m extremely pleased with what I’ve seen from Ellenson. He should be a solid rotation guy for the Pistons this season, particularly the more comfortable he gets.