Detroit Pistons 2019-20 preview: Luke Kennard’s profile

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 14: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons is defended by Nikola Mirotic #41 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 14, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Setting Kennard’s 2019-20 Expectations

Luke Kennard will undoubtedly see his role expand during the 2019-20 season. His offense is much too valuable (and Detroit’s roster is much too thin) for him to only average 22.8 minutes as he did last season.

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He will continue to play the bulk of his minutes at shooting guard but also share time at small forward behind the newly-acquired Tony Snell. Because he has shown that he can handle a greater role within the offense, look for coach Casey to encourage Kennard to let it fly when he’s on the court.

The addition of Derrick Rose should likewise benefit Kennard’s offensive game. The former MVP provides proven scoring ability alongside Kennard on the second unit, and should draw enough of the defense’s attention away to take pressure off Kennard.

Kennard’s playing time should inch closer to the 30 minutes per game threshold and he could see significantly more playing time if Detroit finds itself struggling with injuries.

Pistons fans should not expect Kennard to post an All-Star stat line, or anything close to it. If he receives consistent minutes and touches while maintaining his career shooting averages, it’s reasonable to expect Kennard to average somewhere in the 12-to-13 points per game range, a number which would be a boon to Detroit’s offense.

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