Detroit Pistons player preview: Expectations for Henry Ellenson

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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 25: Henry Ellenson #8 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Henry Ellenson has seen marginal playing time in his first two seasons. Now, with a new coach in Dwane Casey, will that change in 2018-19? Steve Pelletier has your season preview on the Detroit Pistons’ power forward.

Trying to figure out Henry Ellenson’s place on this Detroit Pistons team is difficult.

For starters, he’s had very little NBA experience. In his two seasons in the league, Ellenson has played a total of 475 minutes in just 57 games.

Secondly, his shooting percentages are pretty bad. In 2016-17, he shot 44.8 percent on all 2-point field goals, 28.6 percent from 3-point range, and 50 percent from the free-throw line.

This past season his percentages were 38.4 percent from 2-point range, 33.3 percent from downtown, and 86.2 percent from the charity stripe.

And finally, it’s hard to figure out where exactly he falls in the rotation. Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond are obviously going to play the majority of minutes in the front court. But beyond that, Ellenson still sits behind Zaza Pachulia and Jon Leuer (there is also the possibility Stanley Johnson logs some time at the four spot).

So how do we figure out if he will contribute in meaningful minutes this year, or if he’s destined to remain in the G League for his third NBA season?

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