As the Detroit Pistons gear up for the playoffs, a pressing question looms: Can Daniss Jenkins rise to the occasion as their backup point guard on the biggest stage?
Jenkins has been a standout for the Pistons this season, emerging as a two-way player who earned a full-time contract. While Trajan Langdon has excelled in a supporting role, Jenkins might just be Detroit's most significant discovery this year.
Not only has Jenkins stepped up to secure victories when key players were sidelined, but he's also enabled the Pistons to move on from Jaden Ivey, sidestepping the complexities of a new contract next summer.
Despite earning a spot in the rotation and a two-year deal, questions about Jenkins' performance have intensified recently.
Since signing his new contract, Jenkins has faced challenges
In the six games following his conversion to a full-time deal, Jenkins has struggled to find his groove. His shooting has dipped to 34 percent from the floor and a concerning 11 percent from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to his season averages of 43 and 38 percent, respectively.
Perhaps most troubling is Jenkins' turnover rate, which now exceeds his assists per game-a concerning trend for a player expected to be a reliable backup point guard in the playoffs.
The silver lining is Jenkins' season-long inconsistency, swinging from scorching hot to icy cold, suggesting this might just be a minor slump he can overcome.
The real issue isn't just his shooting percentages, but his decision-making on the court. He's been making questionable reads, taking ill-advised shots, and generally appearing a bit off as he attempts to orchestrate the offense.
The question remains whether JB Bickerstaff will tighten the rotation come playoff time and if Jenkins will still have a role when that happens.
The hope is that Jenkins will regain his form and find his rhythm at the crucial moment, as he could be a pivotal X Factor for a team in need of secondary scoring and ballhandling behind Cade Cunningham.
For now, Jenkins needs to settle down, find his rhythm, and avoid forcing plays, as turnovers are already a concern for the Pistons, and they can't afford them from their backup point guard.