The Detroit Pistons have spent the entire 2025-26 season hearing how their inability to field a second consistent shot creator would ultimately doom them in the playoffs. Cade Cunningham has played at an MVP-caliber level, but the burden he's shouldered as the primary and arguably only reliable perimeter isolation scorer and playmaker has caused many to question the sustainability of Detroit's success.
With Cunningham sidelined by a collapsed lung, however, Daniss Jenkins has proven there's depth in the shot creation department by confirming that his per-36 appeal translates to a bigger role.
Jenkins has been one of the unsung heroes of the Pistons' success in 2025-26. Though he's appeared in 60 of Detroit's 70 games, his playing time has fluctuated and he's ultimately landed at an average of 18.0 minutes per appearance.
The 24-year-old point guard has more than delivered when his number has been called, however, averaging 8.0 points, 3.2 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game in his limited minutes.
Those numbers translate to 15.9 points, 6.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per 36 minutes. Throw in 1.8 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes at a respectable shooting mark of 36.1 percent, and Jenkins has the on-paper appeal to command more minutes.
With Cunningham sidelined, Jenkins has proven that he's ready for his number to be called, his minutes to increase, and the void in the shot creation department to be filled.
Daniss Jenkins is proof Pistons have shot creation depth after all
When Cunningham exited the Pistons' 130-117 win over the Washington Wizards after playing just five minutes, Detroit turned to Jenkins. He answered the call, posting 15 points, seven assists, two rebounds, two steals, and a block in 21 minutes of action.
In a rematch with the Wizards just two days later, Jenkins stepped up once again by overcoming a poor shooting night with five assists, as well as two rebounds and a block, in a blowout win.
With his back against something of a wall after a lackluster shooting game, Jenkins seemed to know he needed to make a statement. He did exactly that, posting 22 points, as well as eight assists, seven rebounds, and a steal, in a 115-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
It was the fourth 20-point game of the season for Jenkins, who had appeared in seven total NBA games before the 2025-26 campaign.
Moving forward, Jenkins' emergence as a capable scorer and playmaker will be essential on multiple fronts. That includes helping to fill an undeniable void with Cunningham sidelined, as well as potentially alleviating pressure from the superstar himself come the playoffs.
It remains to be seen how Jenkins' minutes will be impacted by Cunningham's eventual return, but he's making a powerful case for a larger role moving forward.