Pistons with the most to prove next season

After not making any big moves this summer, the Detroit Pistons will once again be counting on internal development for a big part of their improvement. 

Their young core still has plenty of room to grow, and we expect to see further nuance and efficiency from players like Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson. 

But the Pistons also have a trio of young guys who have a lot to prove next season for different reasons. 

Daniss Jenkins has to be the backup point guard 

Other than rookie Ebuka Okorie, the Pistons don’t have a backup point guard other than Daniss Jenkins, who went from a two-way contract to suddenly important.

I was somewhat surprised the Pistons didn’t get a steady veteran hand to complement their young backups, but it’s a testament to their faith in Jenkins, who stepped up in the playoffs last season and should come into the next one with more confidence and a well-defined role. 

The Pistons need to be able to take Cade Cunningham off the floor without falling apart, so Jenkins needs to take care of the ball, run the offense and limit his mistakes when Cunningham is on the bench.

Jenkins was a nice story, but now he needs to be more, as he’ll be in a much bigger and more consistent role. 

Ron Holland II can be an X-Factor or trade bait 

Holland just turned 21, so he’s still very young, but this will be his third season, and it’s time he started adding to his game. 

Holland is a strange player, as he can make a big impact without much offense, but that doesn’t play in the postseason, when teams will exploit any offensive weakness. 

Holland has to provide something on offense other than fastbreak points, as teams are just going to leave him alone in the corner until he proves there is a reason not to. 

It’s a big year for Holland, who could be an X-Factor if his shooting comes around but could also be trade bait at the deadline if he can’t find a meaningful role in the rotation. 

The pressure will be on Jalen Duren 

The Jalen Duren saga still hasn’t ended, so as of right now, he is not even on the Pistons roster. Assuming this gets resolved at some point, the pressure will be on Duren to deliver, as he held out all offseason for more money after his breakout season. 

He has to hope the drama doesn’t linger, as he’ll be expected to produce, and fans will start to turn on him if he doesn’t. He has to show last season wasn’t a fluke, but something he can build on, as the Pistons will rely on him for points. 

Most importantly, he has to show up in the playoffs (if the Pistons make it), as that’s really been the only knock against him so far. 

Regardless of the final number, Duren will face increased scrutiny on his new contract and will be under pressure to live up to it. 

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