Detroit Pistons player preview: Expectations for Henry Ellenson

Predictions

Right now, I can’t see Henry Ellenson being more than the 11^th man on this team.

While I’m very low on Jon Leuer, and uncertain if Zaza Pachulia will make it through the entire season upright, I can’t see the coaching staff putting Ellenson ahead of either guy when they look at the game film and overall experience factor.

It’s difficult to pair him with a front-court mate that masks his terrible defense. He and Blake Griffin would surrender a lot of points, while he and Leuer would be a sieve.

That limits his time even more, as the coaches would want him on the floor with Pachulia or Andre Drummond only. The 11^th man on a Dwane Casey team, however, still means Ellenson is in line to average at least 15 minutes per game – as every 11^th man has done over the past 3 seasons in Toronto.

Even if he does end up being the 12^th man, that’ll be a major improvement for his playing time. Last year, Toronto’s 12^th man, Lucas Nogueira, averaged 8.5 minutes a night last year across 49 games.

My best guess for Ellenson’s numbers next year would be right in between that:12.3 minutes, 5.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 0.2 steals per game.

As for his shooting percentages: 43.4 percent from 2-point range, 36.1 percent from the 3-point line, and 83.5 percent from the free-throw line.

What do you expect from Henry Ellenson in his third season with the Detroit Pistons?

Let us know in the comment section below.