Pistons need unlikely source to fill biggest Tobias Harris void

Even though he only averaged 13.3 points per game last season, Tobias Harris was the Detroit Pistons’ second option on offense, one they will have to replace. 

Coach JB Bickerstaff often called Harris the team’s security blanket, as they could throw him the ball in a pinch and stand back as he created his own shot. 

Detroit replaced Harris with John Collins, who is a better floor spacer overall, but not a guy who is going to create much for himself off the bounce. He’s a good lob threat, which Harris wasn’t, but he’s not a guy you can reliably ask to create for himself like Harris does. 

The Pistons mostly added shooting this offseason and still lack that secondary creation that Harris provided. It is going to have to come from somewhere, and even though they are very different players, the Pistons may have the guy already on the roster. 

Daniss Jenkins is suddenly very important 

The Pistons are going to have to get that creation from someone, and right now, Daniss Jenkins seems like the most likely option. Ebuka Okorie may get there at some point, but it’s unrealistic to expect a rookie to step in and be that guy right away. 

Jenkins went from a nice story last season to a guy who is suddenly extremely important for Detroit, as he’s going to have to lead the offense when Cade Cunningham is on the bench, as there really isn’t anyone else. 

Jenkins will have to pick up his scoring to help make up for the loss of Harris, so if he could tick up from 10 points per game closer to 15, it would be a big boost for Detroit. 

But the main thing he’ll have to replace is the sense of security the Pistons had with Harris, as they knew he was a guy who would not only take care of the ball but reliably get them a good shot. 

Jenkins was very good at penetrating into the lane last season, but not so good at finishing, as he was last in the NBA in field goal percentage on drives and shot poorly around the rim and in the floater area. 

Though they get there in very different ways, Jenkins can get his shot in that area anytime he wants, just like Harris, but unlike Harris, Jenkins has not converted it at a high rate so far in his young career. 

With improved shooting on the roster, the Pistons don’t necessarily need Jenkins to be a lights out 3-point shooter, but they need him to do what Harris did last season, which is create his own shot and be a guy they can reliably go to for a bucket. 

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