The Detroit Pistons are set to promote two-way standout Daniss Jenkins to a standard NBA contract, as confirmed by Trajan Langdon, the team’s head of basketball operations. This announcement was made on Friday, with plans for the transition to be finalized over the weekend, likely allowing Jenkins to become a rostered player for the upcoming game against Charlotte on Monday.
Jenkins, who has performed impressively during his time with the Pistons, reached his 50-game active limit in the league during the game against New York. Prior to this, he had turned down a two-year, minimum-salary contract offer late in January, showing his desire to secure a more permanent spot on the team.
Langdon spoke highly of Jenkins, acknowledging the hard work he has put in since joining the Pistons as an undrafted free agent. “Kudos to him, he’s worked his butt off,” Langdon expressed, highlighting the player’s significant growth over the past two seasons. Jenkins’ performance during the last season with Motor City, the Pistons’ G League affiliate, was a key factor in his development, and his impressive showing in the Summer League has further solidified his capabilities.
As the primary backup point guard for most of the current season, Jenkins has made a notable impact, averaging 7.9 points, 3.3 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals across 41 games, all while maintaining a shooting percentage of .421 from the field. The Pistons currently maintain a full roster of 15 players, but a reshuffling is anticipated, with veteran Dario Saric likely facing release to create space for Jenkins.
This promotion not only reflects Jenkins’ personal achievements but also signifies the Pistons’ commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing their roster as they aim for success in the upcoming games.