Head coach JB Bickerstaff adjusted his starting lineup last night, putting Daniss Jenkins in for Paul Reed in an effort to speed up the offense.
It worked, as the PIstons were able to get 19 fast break points, which was the difference in the game, with Jenkins having his second big night in a row.
The move to put John Collins at center made some sense, as neither he nor Paul Reed are going to solve the rebounding problems the Pistons have had without Jalen Duren. They haven’t played well together, so it made sense to split them up and spread their rebounding around.
It’s not something they can do every night, as Detroit gave up 44 points to Anthony Davis and lost the rebounding battle overall.
But Daniss Jenkins in the starting five is something JB Bickerstaff will have to consider even after Jalen Duren returns, as the Pistons have simply been a better team with him there.
Daniss Jenkins has thrived as a starter and so have the Pistons
Last night was Jenkins’ 21st career start, and the Pistons are an impressive 16-5 in those games.
As a starter, Jenkins has averaged 17.5 points, 7.3 assists and four rebounds, providing the Pistons with the secondary creation and shot making that they need.
Jenkins has been red-hot this season overall, averaging over 12 points while logging 4.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds and nearly a steal per game while only turning it over 1.6 times, which is exactly what the Pistons were hoping for from him this season.
He’s hitting nearly 43 percent of his 3-point shots, so has been a weapon both on and off the ball for Detroit and has taken some of the playmaking duties off Cade Cunningham’s shoulders.
Jenkins played a team-high 36 minutes when Cunningham got into foul trouble last night, notching eight assists to just two turnovers.
It’s easy to see coach JB Bickerstaff sticking with Jenkins for now, especially the way he is shooting, but what about after Jalen Duren returns?
The Pistons could stick with the small-ball lineup even with Jalen Duren
The Pistons are best offensively when they are getting stops and pushing the pace on offense, as their half-court sets still leave plenty to be desired, even with the increased shooting.
JB Bickerstaff may choose to stick with Jenkins even after Duren returns, as Jenkins can hold his own as a rebounder and defender and gives the Pistons that added element of playmaking that their normal starting five is missing.
It’s been a fantastic start for Jenkins, and if he keeps this up, he may have a permenent spot in the starting five even when the Pistons are at full strength.
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