The Detroit Pistons didn’t make too many major moves this summer. That was relatively surprising, considering a lot of people expected them to try to capitalize on being the No. 1 seed in the East last year. Yet through the first three games of the year – and especially after Detroit’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday – it’s clear that internal development was always the plan.
Ausar Thompson was out. Jalen Duren was out, and he’s going to miss some time. And the Pistons were going up against the Sixers, who had LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey on their side. Yet by the end of the night, the Pistons came out on top. And Daniss Jenkins played a huge role in the victory.
He stepped up into a much larger role for the Pistons, and it helped them beat one of the best teams in the league.
Pistons' bet on internal development is working out
The Pistons lost Tobias Harris this summer. He went to the San Antonio Spurs. They replaced him with John Collins. But even though they had the means to make a big-swing trade, they stayed put (for the most part).
There were even some issues bringing Duren back this summer, though he eventually re-signed with the Pistons. Now, the Pistons are virtually running things back (also minus Isaiah Stewart).
Despite that, the Pistons have jumped out to a 3-0 start. Not only that, but they have also beaten three of the potential best teams in the Eastern Conference: The Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks, and the 76ers.
How have they done it? Elite defense and top-notch contributions from role players. They have been getting the most out of their depth, and it’s been working out well.
On Sunday night, it was Jenkins. He put up a massive performance, proving that the Pistons were smart to bank on internal development this summer. It’s paying off right now.
Against the Sixers, Jenkins finished the game with 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists while shooting an impressive 6-of-11 from the field, 3-of-4 from deep range, and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line.
On top of that, Jenkins also played the most minutes of anyone on the Pistons, logging a ridiculous 38:23. Second on the team was Collins at 33:39.
Having a guy like Jenkins, who is clearly still improving, is a massive win for Detroit. Guys like Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green seem ready to do more, too. And that’s without even considering the development of Cade Cunningham, Thompson, and Duren.
Internal development seems to be working out well for Detroit so far.
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