It has been a long time since the Detroit Pistons hit on a second-round pick or undrafted free agent, but they may have finally broken that drought with Daniss Jenkins.
The last time the Pistons drafted a rotation player in the second round was back in 2018, when they took Bruce Brown, who ended up being a quality role player who won a title with Denver.
Since then, it’s been one whiff after another outside of the lottery, and the task isn’t getting easier with more college players hanging in school for an extra year or two to collect NIL money.
But it looks like that drought may finally be over, as Jenkins is showing he’s a real player who can make contributions to winning, and he couldn’t have come at a better time.
Daniss Jenkins may be the answer at backup point guard
Pistons fans have been talking about the backup point guard endlessly since it became obvious that Detroit wasn’t going to bring back Dennis Schroder, who provided valuable minutes for them last season.
That talk has only amplified since both Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser got hurt, as the Pistons were quickly running out of options.
That hit a crescendo (I hope) last night when the entire starting five plus Isaiah Stewart and Sasser were out with injuries, forcing a starting lineup of Daniss Jenkins, Javonte Green, Duncan Robinson, Ron Holland and Paul Reed.
Pistons fans got used to these types of G-League lineups during the tanking years, but last night was different, as these guys not only thought they could win, but expected to, and they did for Detroit’s 8th win in a row.
Jenkins was outstanding for the second game in a row, leading the offense, getting to the rim at will and looking every bit the part of the backup point guard the Pistons have been looking for. He was cool and composed, racking up 12 assists to just three turnovers on his way to a career night in dimes.
This is just one night after Jenkins was the hero against the Wizards, hitting two clutch shots late in the game, including the 3-pointer that sent it to overtime.
There is something special brewing with this team, and it permeates through the entire roster.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Jenkins to break out given all of the injuries, but finding undrafted free agents and two-way guys who can stick is also a huge advantage to team building, as Jenkins will contribute on a low salary, giving the Pistons more flexibility at the top.
Jenkins may be earning himself a full-time contract, and if he keeps this up, it will be difficult to keep him out of the rotation.