3 players that Detroit Pistons fans are thankful for

Luke Kennard

It goes without say that Luke Kennard has been the subject of much debate in Detroit. He was drafted on pick before Donovan Mitchell – who went on to finish second in the Rookie of the Year voting.

But, do we care? No. Kennard is special.

This season he’s currently  averaging 16.5 points per game. While there are certainly times where he has trouble consistently hitting three-point attempts, he’s found other ways to puncture defenses.

As his reputation as a legitimate scorer only increases throughout the league, teams are starting to scheme accordingly. Defenders are learning that you cannot go under a screen on Kennard, or else he’ll punish you for it and knock down a three-pointer. Double teams are being sent his way as well in an attempt to freeze him out.

So how does Kennard react? By using this to his advantage and finding the players who are open. In his last 6 games, he’s dished out 33 assists. As teams begin to defend him better, it’s just opening up his true abilities as a play maker.

On March 2nd last season, Kennard had a 26-point outing in Cleveland. He was hitting multiple shots 30 or more feet away from the basket and had begun to emerge as a pure scorer. As his career moves along, he’s slowly been given more and more opportunities to take control of the offense.

He’s more than just a perimeter player though. He has a remarkable ability to create open looks off the dribble, to go along with his talent when attacking the basket. He can finish with either hand, and he can do it well.

We’re thankful Kennard is in Detroit, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.