Daniss Jenkins has done an incredible job filling in for the Pistons as a starter in the last three games, and is rapidly earning his full-time NBA spot. Jenkins has been the perfect point guard for the team and filled in the void left by Dennis Schroder last season. He's still on a two-way contract for now, but can expect a proper NBA contract from the Pistons soon if he continues this level of play.
Daniss Jenkins is here to stay
Jenkins has impressed in every game where he's gotten substantial playing time. Over the last three outings, he's averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists per game. He's been ridiculously efficient in the process, shooting 47% from the field and a scorching 56% from three. Pistons fans were concerned all offseason about the team's lack of a backup point guard to Cade Cunningham, but it seems like they had one ready on a two-way the whole time.
The fit between Jenkins and the rest of the Pistons roster is perfect as well. He's a hard-nosed defender who's averaging over two steals a game in this recent stretch. Along with other players who are typically benchwarmers, Jenkins has stepped up and shown the entire league that the Pistons' depth was being overlooked. Jenkins himself perfectly described this group's mentality in a post-game interview when he referred to them as "nasty dogs" willing to do whatever it takes for a win.
A key attribute of Jenkins' future on the Pistons is his ability to play alongside Cade Cunningham. Jenkins can be a great backup for Cade, which is an important role to play, but his path to even more playing time lies in synergy with the franchise star. Against the Wizards, Jenkins showed that his incredible shooting and defensive activity can thrive alongside Cade when they both started the game together. His fourth-quarter heater also took some pressure off Cade - a rarity in a game where the latter took 45 shot attempts.
Daniss Jenkins is having the best stretch of his basketball career and looks like a long-term piece in Detroit. Although his shooting in the last week is not sustainable, there's plenty to love in his overall process too. Not only is he a deadly shooter, but he's also able to drive to the rim and score from all three levels. He also fits into the defense that is Detroit's core identity and competes against the best guards in the league.
After going undrafted and grinding away in the G-League, Daniss Jenkins is finally getting his opportunity in the NBA due to unforeseen circumstances. The Pistons' recent stretch of injuries should have been a negative for them, but Jenkins is spinning it into a positive. He's already done more than enough to earn a fully guaranteed spot on the team for the rest of the season and beyond.