The Detroit Pistons had themselves another strong game lead by the sensational Henry Ellenson who contributed 29 points and six rebounds. The Pistons will now be advancing to the Orlando League championship.
The Detroit Pistons have won another game in the Orlando Summer League and will now by competing for the championship crown tomorrow, behind the strong play of second-year player Henry Ellenson.
Here are some thoughts on today’s game via my twitter timeline:
Lorenzo Brown starting today for Pistons over Pierre Jackson
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
CHA Hornets only have 8 active players for today. Tired legs may be an issue for them
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Kennard with another steal, he's been really good in that area. Leads to Gbinije and-one layup
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Stu Jackson on Henry Ellenson's fade away jumper pic.twitter.com/GgPP8ycdY4
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Stu Jackson on Ellenson's passing abilities. He really likes what he can do. Thinks he'll be a complete player when he solves the D issues pic.twitter.com/7PYRmoxrGa
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Stu Jackson on Henry Ellenson's ability to pit the ball on the floor pic.twitter.com/W8sBL26eX5
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Henry Ellenson with a terrific faceup game game. He just did a series of between the legs dribbles to beat his man to the basket for a layin
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Pierre Jackson with another big bucket. Hit GW yesterday then buzzer beater to close the first QTR. Pistons lead 23-20
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Pierre Jackson is sooo fast. Just blew by two defenders in transition that were ahead of him
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Nice charge by Eric Moreland there. Could be the Pistons' third center this year. Heady player.
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Ellenson is killing people today. He's got an efficient 15 and is scoring at will.
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Couple Luke Kennard highlights pic.twitter.com/MAdWXrNAhC
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Great play by Pierre Jackson setting up that alley-oop. He is an NBA-ready player, even if it isn't for the Pistons
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Henry Ellenson showing his footwork, strength, and patience. Great game for him today. pic.twitter.com/nitNbRxKD2
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Pistons will be playing for the championship tomorrow!!!
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 5, 2017
Final Thoughts:
I think the Pistons have five players on their Summer League roster who can play in the NBA: Pierre Jackson, Lorenzo Brown, Henry Ellenson, Luke Kennard, and Eric Moreland. I think the last three I mentioned ultimately end up on the Pistons’ final roster, though I could see Moreland electing to play for another team as he has yet to sign with the Pistons, despite a standing offer.
Michael Gbinije has not been impressive enough to me to warrant a roster spot, but he does have NBA potential. Solid defender and good length.
Ellenson had his best offensive game so far. He was confident with his stroke and showed more dribble drive ability. He’s got every skill offensively. If he can be just a passable defender he will be a very valuable and rare NBA player for what he can do at seven feet tall.
Luke Kennard struggled today in the half court, but continues to impress with his decision-making and play-making ability in transition.
Key Contributors:
Henry Ellenson: 29 points, 6 rebounds
Luke Kennard: 14 points, five rebounds
Pierre Jackson: 15 points, 6 assists, 2 steals
Michael Gbinije: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists