The Detroit Pistons may have finally found a diamond in the rough with Daniss Jenkins, marking a hopeful turning point for the franchise after years of struggling to capitalize on second-round picks and undrafted free agents. The Pistons haven’t selected a reliable rotation player in the second round since 2018, when Bruce Brown emerged as a key contributor and even won a championship with the Denver Nuggets. Since that time, their efforts have largely fallen flat, especially as more collegiate players opt to stay in school for lucrative NIL deals.
However, Jenkins appears to break this trend. The young talent is stepping up at the right moment, displaying the skills necessary to fill the backup point guard role that many fans have been discussing since the departure of Dennis Schroder. The urgency surrounding this position has only intensified, particularly with injuries sidelining Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser, leaving the Pistons in need of reliable players.
In a recent game that saw an entirely new starting lineup due to injuries — including Jenkins alongside Javonte Green, Duncan Robinson, Ron Holland, and Paul Reed — the Pistons showcased their resilience by clinching an impressive eighth consecutive win. Jenkins rose to the occasion, delivering an outstanding performance that featured 12 assists against just three turnovers. His precision and composure on the court have led many to believe he could be the answer the Pistons have been seeking in their backup point guard search.
The night before, he showcased his clutch abilities by sinking critical shots in the closing moments against the Wizards, including a pivotal three-pointer that propelled the game into overtime. Such performances suggest Jenkins has the potential not only to become a staple in the lineup but also to contribute significantly at a low salary, offering the Pistons valuable financial flexibility.
With the potential for Jenkins to earn a full-time contract, the optimism surrounding him and the team is palpable. As Jenkins continues to develop and prove himself, the future looks bright for the Pistons, who may be on the brink of building a stronger and more competitive squad. The growing synergy within the roster speaks to a promising transformation in the team’s trajectory.