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Detroit Pistons season review: Rookie Luke Kennard

By Ash Vanclay

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 8: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 8, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 8: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 8, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Luke Kennard was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 12th pick in the most recent NBA draft out of Duke University. There still is some debate about whether the Detroit Pistons made the right pick.

Let’s ignore all that and take a look at how Luke Kennard’s rookie season turned out.

Luke Kennard by the Numbers:

Luke Kennard played in 73 games this season. He started in nine of those games. Kennard averaged 7.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in 20 minutes of action per game.

He shot 44.3% percent from the field, 41.5% percent from the three-point line, and 85.5% percent from the free throw line.

Luke Kennard finished the season with a net rating of +3.8, due to an offensive rating of 106.8, and a defensive rating of 103.

I think that is most likely due to who Luke was playing with off the bench. It does give us some hope for the future despite being labeled as a below average defender. Numbers suggest he can work into a defensive system.

Luke is an excellent rebounder for his position ranking 101st out of 257 in defensive rebound percentage for guards, while ranking 105th for total rebound percentage.

Kennard by the Eye:

Luke Kennard played well for the Detroit Pistons in almost all the games he was featured in. Stan Van Gundy is notorious for giving his rookie players a tight leash.

Luke was probably deserving of more minutes earlier on as he was usually only playing 15-17 minutes for most of the season.

Luke Kennard was the second best perimeter threat for the Pistons this season. That alone is a valuable commodity. Luke has shown a huge amount of maturity with the way he plays.

He has that savvy ability to always find a way to get his shot off. That ability becomes really important considering his lack of athleticism.

Luke is also an underrated passer, and has tremendous vision on the court. He played as that secondary ball handler as well as initiating and running plays off the bench.

Season Grade:

B+ – The only thing Luke Kennard did wrong all season is not be named Donovan Mitchell. He played well all season, and looks to be a really good player. While his rookie season was not spectacular, it was solid and a good season to learn and grow from.

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