One of the Detroit Pistons’ biggest perceived weaknesses coming into the season was the lack of a secondary ballhandler/shot creator next to Cade Cunningham, but once Jaden Ivey returns, that weakness could turn into a strength.
The Pistons finally got some good injury news about Ivey and have recently sent him for a rehab stint with the Cruise, so he is on the path to return soon.
Ivey’s return was supposed to mark the first time this season that the Pistons have a reliable secondary option, but things have changed from the early season perceptions, and Detroit now has more players capable of handling that role.
Daniss Jenkins, Caris LeVert, Jaden Ivey handling the ball for the Pistons
Different players have stepped up to fill the void left by Jaden Ivey. Ausar Thompson started handling the ball earlier in the season, acting as a secondary playmaker when Cade Cunningham was doubled.
Caris LeVert had a go as creator off the bench and played it well for a couple of games before getting hurt again. His season has been a frustrating one, as he has had several setbacks, but LeVert is a guy the Pistons will eventually be able to count on.
But the real hero has been Daniss Jenkins, a two-way player who looks destined to eventually be on the full-time roster.
Jenkins will likely head back to the bench when Ausar Thompson is fully healthy and Jaden Ivey returns, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have an important role to play.
Jenkins has shown he can handle running the offense as the primary ballhandler, but also played well as a secondary creator off Cade Cunningham.
Neither Jenkins nor Ivey are really true point guards, as they look to score first, but both guys can attack off the bounce, set up teammates and relieve Cunningham from all of the ball handling duties.
Having guards who can create off the wing will make it more difficult to double-team Cunningham every time he touches the ball.
Some fans have wondered what will happen to Jenkins when Ivey returns, and my answer has been nothing, as it’s not a bad thing to have multiple guys who can play effectively on or off the ball.
Cade Cunningham must be excited about Ivey’s eventual return, as it will give the team another weapon that can make his life easier.
The Pistons are in a great position right now, as they’ve been winning without their full lineup and should be even better once they are at full strength. The Pistons have gotten production from some unexpected places, and it will continue to serve them well even after Jaden Ivey returns.