Detroit Pistons: Notes From Summer League Game 2

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The Detroit Pistons second game of NBA Summer League vs the Houston Rockets didn’t get off to the best start. Just before the game the team announced Ron Holland would miss the game for general rest purposes. Holland was selected #5 overall by the Pistons in the 2024 NBA Draft to be an important part of the team’s new future.

He did have a pregame message shared via Woodward Sport in which he started off with the Detroit greeting “What Up Doe”.

As the first addition by the new front office regime led by Trajan Langdon, I understand wanting to get every glimpse of Holland before Summer League action ends.

With Holland out, all eyes shifted to the Pistons other 2024 NBA Draft pick Bobi Klintman. The versatile wing is viewed by the organization as a someone who can play every front court position. But Pistons two-way signee Daniss Jenkins stole the show in the first half scoring 18 points bolstering a 37-36 lead.

But in the second half, Klintman began to show more of what excites Pistons fans about his potential. Klintman made two threes and ended the 3rd quarter with 15 points and 8 rebounds in the game.

Jenkins finished with 26 points while knocking down 6 threes! Bobi Klintman just missed a double-double with 18 points and 9 rebounds.

Marcus Sasser the Playmaker?

Although the rookies were having a good game, second year guard Marcus Sasser enjoyed a second half bounce back. Sasser started the game slow, as he’s admittedly working and focusing more on facilitating and playmaking. An element of his game he is seeking to improve by this coming season to better mesh with the team’s current roster.

Sasser really wants to improve as a playmaker and looks to be making the right strides in this game. He finished with a team high 8 assists and found the hot hand in Jenkins multiple times as they pulled away in the final quarter. The Pistons won 87-73 behind progressively improved offense and defense as the game went on.

Their chemistry can be chalked up to a brotherhood and friendship that goes back to their childhood. They grew up as friends in Texas, and Jenkins said Sasser has been a great help during his NBA journey.

Though I’ve liked seeing Sasser developing as a playmaker, I think it’s vital there’s a focus on helping him take the next steps as a scorer. Which he admitted he’s struggling with right now in Summer League due to his three point shot not falling.

Defensive Flex

One of the most important contributions to the Pistons comeback win over the Rockets was due to an increase in defensive intensity, energy and communication.

Most notably Daniss Jenkins was IN HIS BAG defensively versus Reed Sheppard. Sheppard, the #3 pick of the 2024 NBA draft, was a player many Pistons fans were hoping for a shot at. The sharp shooter from Kentucky shot a blistering 50%+ from behind the arc in college. Which is known to be one of the biggest needs for the Detroit Pistons.

Sheppard had been one of the talks of Summer League until he matched up against an eager to step up to the challenge, Daniss Jenkins. One of the best defensive highlights from the game was Jenkins blocking Shepard’s layup attempt off the backboard. In the play, Jenkins flashed a peak at his athleticism, speed, and the defensive potential he brings to the table.

It’s Just Summer League!!!

What’s the number one rule of summer league? Don’t take any long or drawn conclusions away from summer league. Use it more as a gauge of what the weather may be today, but could be vastly different in December. Playing with better players at the NBA level brings the best out of some, while others slip into obscurity.

So we temper all expectations based on summer league, while still appreciating the current effort at hand.