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Detroit Pistons: Can Jon Leuer bounce back in 2018-19?

By Rickey Gillam

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: Jon Leuer #30 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during Media Day at Little Caesars Arena on September 24, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: Jon Leuer #30 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during Media Day at Little Caesars Arena on September 24, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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 Jon Leuer is entering his third season with the Detroit Pistons. After a strong start in 2016-17, his tenure has been marred by inconsistency and injuries. So where does he fit in the rotation?

Is this the year that Detroit Pistons’ forward Jon Leuer lives up to expectations, and bounces back to have a healthy and productive season?

Leuer had an up-and-down year during his first season with the Pistons in 2016-17.  Prior to the All-Star break, he was viewed by some as being a bargain of a contract. But he went into a slump following the break, despite averaging a career high in minutes (25.9) and points per game (10.2).

Hopefully, he can improve upon that. Or, at the very least, replicate similar production this year after missing all but eight games last season due to an ankle injury; one that ended up being more severe than initially thought.

Having a full season with Blake Griffin fully integrated into the mix, and with the possible emergence of Henry Ellenson plus the addition of Zaza Pachulia, minutes at the backup center spot and power forward positions won’t necessarily be a given.

An ongoing concern is the health of Griffin, and if he misses time this season due to injury then Leuer can play an instrumental piece in providing some insurance. That is, if Leuer remains healthy himself.

More than likely, the replacement of Griffin’s production would be done by committee with Leuer, Pachulia, and Ellenson. Even Stanley Johnson and Glenn Robinson III could get some run at the power positions.

I believe that when Stan Van Gundy brought Leuer here in 2016, his vision was for him to be that stretch big Detroit has desired since Rasheed Wallace.

Someone who could be a more-than-serviceable big playing alongside (or backing up) Andre Drummond, providing floor spacing, rim protection, and rebounding while giving opposing teams a different threat to have to line up against at the power positions.

Next. Three takeaways from the preseason. dark

Assuming this team stays fairly healthy, and if Leuer can outplay Pachulia and Ellenson for the role of first big off the bench, then you would have to consider this a win-win situation for Jon Leuer and the Detroit Pistons.

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