Daniss Jenkins Is Forcing the Pistons' Hand - and That’s a Good Thing
When the Pistons dealt Jaden Ivey in a move that raised more than a few eyebrows, the assumption was that Detroit was clearing the deck for something bigger. But what’s unfolded instead has been a different kind of win - the emergence of Daniss Jenkins as a legitimate rotation piece and, arguably, the team’s best guard off the bench.
And if his performance against the Knicks is any indication, the Pistons didn’t just clear space - they uncovered a gem.
Jenkins Makes a Statement at MSG
In a game that turned into a 38-point blowout, Jenkins made every one of his 18 minutes count, dropping 18 points and helping the Pistons dismantle a Knicks team that never found its footing. It wasn’t just the scoring - it was the control, the poise, the way Jenkins ran the offense like a seasoned vet. For a player who started the season as a two-way guy bouncing between the Pistons and the Motor City Cruise, this was a breakout moment that felt inevitable for those who’ve been watching closely.
The Best Guard Off the Bench - Period
Let’s be clear: Jenkins didn’t take Ivey’s spot by default. He earned it.
All season long, he’s been the Pistons’ most reliable backup guard - and it’s not particularly close. While Ivey has struggled to find consistency, Jenkins has quietly put together a résumé that demands attention.
He’s shooting 39% from three, creating for teammates, finishing at the rim, and doing it all with a level of craft and composure that belies his undrafted status.
Where Ivey’s game is built on raw athleticism - which, frankly, hasn’t shown up the same way this season - Jenkins brings a more nuanced approach. His handle is tight, his change of pace is deceptive, and he knows how to manipulate defenders. He’s not just getting by guys - he’s outthinking them.
Natural Fit at the One
What really separates Jenkins is how naturally he fits the point guard mold. He’s a willing passer, a floor general who understands timing and spacing - and that’s exactly what Detroit’s second unit has needed. With no clear go-to scorer off the bench, Jenkins’ ability to create offense - both for himself and others - has been a stabilizing force.
He’s earned his spot in the rotation not just over Ivey, but over veterans and former lottery picks. That doesn’t happen by accident. That happens because a player is making winning plays night after night.
Defense That Matches the Motor City Mentality
Jenkins isn’t just helping the Pistons offensively - he’s a tone-setter on the defensive end, too. He’s aggressive in passing lanes, disruptive at the point of attack, and fits seamlessly alongside Detroit’s high-energy bench defenders. There’s a clear identity forming with this second unit, and Jenkins is right at the heart of it.
Contract Clock Is Ticking
Here’s the reality: Jenkins has already hit the 50-game limit for two-way players, which means Detroit has a decision to make - and fast. He needs to be converted to a standard contract if he’s going to be eligible for the postseason. That’s not a luxury move anymore - it’s a necessity.
Jenkins reportedly turned down a two-year minimum deal earlier this season, and based on what he’s shown, that bet on himself is paying off. He’s outplayed that number, and the Pistons know it.
A Piece for the Future
If Detroit can lock him in long-term, Jenkins becomes more than just a nice story - he becomes a foundational piece. He’s the kind of player who complements Cade Cunningham perfectly, whether backing him up or sharing the floor in dual-guard lineups. He’s versatile, unselfish, and brings a level of toughness that fits the Pistons' DNA.
In a season full of growing pains, Daniss Jenkins has been a bright spot - and maybe more than that. He’s not just filling a role; he’s forcing the Pistons to reimagine what their backcourt can look like moving forward.
And if Detroit plays this right, they may have just stumbled into a long-term solution hiding in plain sight.