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This season will be Henry Ellenson’s last chance with the Detroit Pistons

By Travis Gibbs

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Henry Ellenson #8 of the Detroit Pistons goes to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Henry Ellenson #8 of the Detroit Pistons goes to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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It seems like we all we have talked about is Henry Ellenson’s potential with the Detroit Pistons. It’s about proving something this season.

In 2016, the Detroit Pistons selected Henry Ellenson with the 18th overall pick in the draft. He played just one season at the Marquette University before deciding to make the jump to the NBA.

He made the most of that one season. Ellenson averaged 17 points and nine rebounds per game that season and was thought to be a lottery pick in the draft.

He fell out of the lottery and the Detroit Pistons believed they had a steal in the first round. However, coming to the NBA has been a transition to say the least for Ellenson.

Two seasons to forget

Ellenson’s first two seasons in the league were tough. Going from the collegiate level to the professional level is challenging for a majority of players.

In his first season, Ellenson appeared in just 19 games with the Pistons. He only averaged seven minutes while scoring three points per game. He appeared in 21 games with Detroit’s G-League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Drive.

The G-League is where he thrived. He had a couple monster games that season for the Drive.

It seemed to be the only place he could get any kind of playing time. His second season with the Detroit Pistons wasn’t much better. His three-point shooting percentage jumped from 28-33 over the two seasons.

Considering the low amount of playing time, it’s hard to take that into serious consideration. Under Stan Van Gundy, Henry Ellenson was never given a fair crack.

There were times where Ellenson could have received playing time. Down the stretch of last season would have been perfect.

They were five games back of a final playoff spot and it seemed inevitable that the Pistons would miss the postseason for a second straight year. Van Gundy stuck to his guns, however.

What to like moving forward

Even though his future does seem gloomy, there are some things to like about Ellenson’s situation moving forward.

He has great ball handling capability for a guy his size. For a good chunk of the video below, Ellenson brings the ball up the floor in a ‘point forward’ style of play.

He does a good job at finishing even though he takes a lot of contact with his back to the basket. He proved that at points throughout the summer league.

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Another thing to like about Ellenson’s situation is the new coach in town. Dwane Casey is known for his ability to develop talent and turn younger guys into key role players on a given team.

The other thing to like if you believe Ellenson hasn’t received a fair chance in the NBA is the roster outlook for this upcoming season.

Anthony Tolliver is no longer in town so that means there is an immediate opening for a back-up power forward on the roster.

Jon Leur is coming off a season where he appeared in less than 15 games. Who knows what he will truly be able to do next season for the Pistons.

With the right coaching and right amount of time given on the floor, Ellenson could be a key utility player for this upcoming season.

On the other hand, Ellenson just hasn’t looked good when he’s had the chance. Is it a lack of confidence? Getting pulled and not seeing the floor for a long period of time can take a toll on anyone’s confidence.

Ellenson is approaching the final guaranteed season he has with the Detroit Pistons. He’ll be making $1.8 million this season. The Pistons have a team option on whether or not they bring Ellenson back after that.

Which rookie will see the most playing time?. dark. Next

If they choose to bring him back, he’ll make almost $3 million the following season. That means Henry Ellenson has a lot to prove to the new coaching staff and front office of the Detroit Pistons.

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