Daniss

Jenkins

While one of the Pistons’ main objectives this offseason is to get more playmaking help for Cade Cunningham, that should not detract from what Jenkins provided last season. Appearing in 72 games, the 6-foot-3 guard contributed 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.0 three-pointers in 20.2 minutes. Jenkins played well enough to remain in the rotation and convince the Pistons to pick up his $4 million option. Whether he can be fantasy-relevant next season depends on multiple factors, including first-round pick Ebuka Okorie’s development and what Detroit does in free agency or the trade market to address its need for another playmaker.

Jenkins started the final three games of the series, scoring at least 15 points in each. It wasn’t enough to push Detroit into the conference finals, but his performances were a positive to take into the offseason. During the regular season, Jenkins played well enough to earn a standard contract that includes a $4 million team option for 2026-27. Fantasy-wise, Jenkins was most valuable when the Pistons were shorthanded on the perimeter, especially when Cade Cunningham missed time. Due to Detroit’s need for supplementary playmaking, Jenkins could be worth taking a flier on in the late rounds of drafts in deeper leagues if he returns to the Motor City.

Robinson, who logged 20 minutes in Game 6 after sitting out Game 5 with a sore lower back, is good to go for Sunday’s series decider. He’ll remain in a reserve role for Game 7, with Daniss Jenkins making his third consecutive start alongside Cade Cunningham.

After sitting out Game 5 with a sore lower back, Robinson played 20 minutes off the bench in Game 6. That should remain the case for Sunday’s series decider, with Daniss Jenkins sticking in the starting lineup.

Despite Duncan Robinson returning to action after missing Game 5 due to a sore lower back, Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff stuck with Jenkins in the starting lineup. The presence of a second playmaker in the lineup paid dividends, with Jenkins contributing 15 points and three assists. Robinson was also productive, contributing 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and four three-pointers in 20 minutes off the bench. Given how well things worked out for Detroit in Game 6, it would be unsurprising if Jenkins got another start in Game 7.

After sitting out Game 5, Robinson is good to go for Friday’s potential series decider. However, his return will not push Daniss Jenkins to the bench. Robinson will be tasked with providing added spacing off the bench.

Robinson’s sore lower back kept him out of Wednesday’s overtime defeat, with the Pistons now facing elimination on Friday. Daniss Jenkins was productive as the replacement in the starting lineup, but his promotion left the Pistons with one less scoring option off the bench. He’ll head back to the bench if Robinson plays.

Jenkins moved into the starting lineup with Duncan Robinson (back) out for Game 5. The 24-year-old point guard played 41 minutes and was -9. Jenkins was -28 in 18 minutes in Game 3 of this series as well. It’s unlikely Jenkins would’ve played as much if Robinson was available, but he’ll also need to play better if the Pistons are going to comeback in this series.

Duncan Robinson (back) was ruled out for Game 5. Despite Caris LeVert scoring 24 points in Game 4 on Monday, the Pistons have elected to go with Daniss Jenkins in the starting lineup in place of Robinson. LeVert should still have a significant role off the bench.

Huerter has not appeared in a game since Game 4 of the Pistons’ first-round series against the Magic, and that appears unlikely to change on Saturday. His continued absence means more minutes for Daniss Jenkins and Caris LeVert, with the former being especially impactful during Detroit’s Game 2 victory on Thursday.