Surprises the Pistons won't be able to keep off the floor

The Detroit Pistons’ dream season continued last night when they won their 11th straight, this time with Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson back in the lineup. 

But Thompson didn’t start, as that job was reserved for Daniss Jenkins, who is having a breakout season and has been a big part of this early Detroit surge. 

Even though coach JB Bickerstaff had both Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson available, their leader in minutes off the bench was Javonte Green, another unexpected Pistons player who has been an unsung hero in this amazing start. 

With Cade and Thompson back, the Pistons are getting closer to full strength and got some promising news that Jaden Ivey would soon be joining the Cruise for a rehab stint to get ready for his return. 

But even with most of their team back from the injury list, coach Bickerstaff is going to have to find a way to keep both Jenkins and Green in the rotation. 

Detroit Pistons need to lean into their depth 

It’s become very clear that injuries are going to play a huge role in this season. The Eastern Conference has already been altered with injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, and the list just keeps growing. 

Here is a sampling of the notable players currently injured: 

This season might come down to which team has the most of its key players available for the playoffs. 

The Pistons have certainly contributed to this dubious list, but it hasn’t slowed them down, and the reason is that players like Jenkins and Green have stepped up. 

Jenkins has been the second ball handling option the Pistons have been missing and is able to break down a defense with dribble penetration. Even with Cade back in the lineup last night, Jenkins racked up 14 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals in 30 minutes. 

Even after Jaden Ivey comes back, Jenkins can be a weapon off the bench and has shown he can make plays and take care of the ball. This could mean the end of Marcus Sasser, but right now, the Pistons have found their backup point guard. 

Javonte Green has also earned a continued spot in the rotation. His raw numbers aren’t going to stand out, but he passes the eye test, as the guy makes winning plays. He always seems to be in the right spot, plays tough and versatile defense and can guard up because of his length and strength. 

Coach Bickerstaff clearly trusts the veteran, who has not only fit in with the Pistons’ culture, but added to it with his toughness. 

With injuries playing such a big role this season, the Pistons need to continue to use their depth and keep their players healthy. That may mean expanding the rotation in the regular season and continuing to use players like Jenkins and Green to keep them sharp. 

It’s a great problem to have, as we’ve yet to see what this team can do at full strength with everyone in their proper roles.