Cade Cunningham injury update brings huge question

Daniss Jenkins has played well in Cade Cunningham’s absence, helping the Detroit Pistons claim the number one seed, so what happens when Cade returns? 

The Pistons got the fantastic news that Cunningham could return for a game or two in the regular season, which would be the best-case scenario after he was sidelined with a scary injury. 

But Jenkins has been a revelation in his absence and provided the creation and shotmaking the Pistons will need once Cunningham returns, so we may see plenty of him in the playoffs. 

Daniss Jenkins won’t start, but he could play big minutes 

Jenkins has been great as a starter this season, averaging over 17 points and seven assists in 19 games, most of which the Pistons won. 

When Cade returns, Detroit will undoubtedly go back to the starting five they used most of the season, which means Jenkins will return to the bench, where he’s been less consistent.

But that doesn’t mean he’ll stay there, especially if teams are able to effectively target Duncan Robinson on the defensive end. Jenkins can provide some of the off-ball movement and shooting without the defensive problems.

Robinson has been a part of most of the Pistons’ best defensive lineups this season, so I do think this issue is somewhat overblown, but Jenkins will provide another option along with Kevin Huerter if the Pistons need more defense. 

Cade Cunningham will be harder to trap 

Jenkins has shown he can handle the offense when Cade is on the bench, but what they do together may be even more important. 

We know teams are going to trap and double-team Cunningham no matter what, and Jenkins can provide an outlet who can not only bring the ball up the floor and initiate the offense but can attack the rim if teams use his defender to double Cade. 

Jenkins has developed some chemistry with Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson as rollers and cutters, which will benefit the Pistons when teams sell out to trap Cunningham. If the Pistons can make defenses pay for doubling, they won’t be able to do it, which reopens the shop for Cade. 

Cunningham may also need some time to get his game legs under him, so Jenkins could see extended run in the first round when the Pistons try to buy Cade a few extra minutes of rest on the bench. 

No one would have expected this, but Jenkins figures to be a key figure for the Pistons in the playoffs and will continue to play big minutes even when Cade Cunningham returns and is back to 100 percent.