Daniss Jenkins went from playing just seven games for the Detroit Pistons in the 2024-25 NBA season to becoming an absolute fixture on the squad, suiting up for 72 games last season! That’s a wild jump, and it tells you everything you need to know about the trust this coaching staff has in him.
From Bench to Playoff Starter: The Jenkins Surge
Jenkins didn’t just log minutes last season, he showed up. He averaged a solid 9.3 points, 3.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. Most of that was coming off the bench, but he wasn’t afraid to step up, snagging 19 regular season starts. And get this: when it really mattered in the playoffs, he started Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Cleveland after Duncan Robinson got hurt! The man dropped 19 points in 41 minutes in that high-pressure situation. That’s not just playing; that’s performing when the lights are brightest. No wonder the coaching staff has full confidence in him heading into this new season.
The X-Factor Role: Keeping the Ship Steady Without Cade
So, what’s next for the 25-year-old in his third NBA season? He’s locked in as the second point guard on the depth chart, right behind Cade Cunningham. And honestly, this is huge for the Pistons. Their biggest challenge this year is going to be surviving those minutes when Cunningham is off the floor. Jenkins is the guy tasked with that mission.
He averaged 20.2 minutes last season, but you know that number is only going one way: up. Caden Handwork from Detroit Pistons On SI perfectly put it, “Now entering the 2026-27 season, Jenkins looks to improve even more and help the Pistons advance even further. His role in the Pistons’ rotation could increase, as his minutes are bound to be different than last season.” We’re talking 25-30 minutes a night, easy. If Jenkins can deliver that, it takes so much pressure off both the team and Cunningham. The Pistons can’t just rely on Cade to bail them out every single time, right? Remember, they went a solid 13-5 last season even without Cunningham on the court. Jenkins stepping up means they can do that again, and then some.
What’s Next: An Even Bigger Leap
Keep your eyes peeled for Daniss Jenkins this 2026-27 season. This isn’t just about him getting more minutes; it’s about him proving he’s ready to elevate his game even further and be the crucial piece the Pistons need to push deeper into the season and truly make some noise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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