Daniss Jenkins is betting on himself - and so far, it’s hard to argue with the confidence.
The Detroit Pistons’ rookie guard, currently on a two-way contract, reportedly turned down an offer to convert his deal into a standard minimum NBA contract. That might raise a few eyebrows at first glance, but it’s less a sign of hesitation and more a reflection of a young player who knows his value - and is playing like it.
Jenkins, an undrafted second-year guard, has been a steady presence for Detroit all season. From his composure on the ball to his ability to defend at the point of attack, he’s looked like someone who belongs.
And the Pistons have treated him accordingly. They haven’t tucked him away in the G League or limited his exposure - they’ve put him on the floor, with the big club, in real minutes.
That says something.
But under the terms of his current two-way deal, Jenkins is only allowed to appear in a limited number of NBA games - and he’s down to just three remaining before he hits that cap. So the Pistons will have a decision to make soon.
The expectation all along has been that Detroit would convert his deal to a standard NBA contract before that limit becomes a problem. But Jenkins and his camp are playing the long game.
According to reports, Jenkins' team believes he’s positioned himself for a multi-year deal this summer when he hits restricted free agency - and not just from Detroit. That’s why the minimum offer didn’t move the needle. He’s aiming higher, and if his play continues on this trajectory, he may very well get there.
To get a sense of what a future deal could look like, think back to recent success stories of two-way players who turned breakout seasons into long-term contracts. Ajay Mitchell in Oklahoma City landed a three-year, $9 million deal.
Deuce McBride in New York signed for three years, $12 million. Jenkins could be looking at something in that ballpark.
The good news for Detroit? Even a deal in that range wouldn’t put a dent in their flexibility. The Pistons are still in the early stages of a rebuild, and Jenkins is exactly the type of player you want to develop during that process - gritty, unselfish, and already showing signs of being a two-way contributor.
He plays with a chip on his shoulder, the kind that fits right into the Pistons’ identity. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective.
He makes smart reads, defends with effort, and doesn’t shy away from big moments. That’s Pistons DNA, plain and simple.
So while Jenkins’ decision to pass on a minimum deal might seem risky, it’s also calculated. He’s earned the right to bet on himself - and if Detroit keeps giving him the runway, that bet might pay off in a big way.