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Pistons' Two-Way Player is Looking for a One-Way Ticket in Detroit

One Spot Left. Is Daniss Jenkins the Answer?
Summer Weathers|
Oct 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims (00) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Oct 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims (00) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons wrapped up the preseason last week, and while the jury is still out, Daniss Jenkins made a convincing case to have a role for the team.

Jenkins was re-signed to another two-way deal heading into the 2025-26 season, and he couldn’t help but vindicate that decision with his recent strong performances, which received a lot of attention. 

In a recent preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jenkins was among the starting five for the first time in his NBA career. He had a very productive night and added to the stat sheet 19 points on 5-of-6 shooting, along with two rebounds and six assists. 

During the final preseason game against the Washington Wizards, he finished with 11 points, three assists, and one rebound. 

It is apparent that all the work in the offseason paid off.

The crafty guard has the has the ability to run the floor, and has quickly become a reliable playmaker that can also get to his own spots and score the basketball when needed.

Spending a lot of time last season with the Motor City Cruise under head coach Jamelle McMillan, he averaged 21 points, 7.3 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. His displays didn't go unnoticed, and Jenkins was rewarded with NBA G League All-Rookie honors. 

Now, he’s proving that he has what it takes to compete for an even greater opportunity at the next level.

The regular season for the Pistons tipped off on Wednesday, and the team still has room for one more standard contract before settling in and completing its 15-man roster. Jenkins has become a true candidate to fill that opening, especially now that the Pistons will be without Jaden Ivey to start the season due to knee surgery that was announced onOctober 16th per NBA Insider Shams Charania. 

The Pistons will need some more backcourt depth, and this is where Jenkins can potentially help. He has the ability to play on or off the ball, and this would give J.B Bickerstaff rotation flexibility. 

Daniss Jenkins
Oct 14, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) and forward Tobias Harris (12) celebrate in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images

If the front office decides to bring him on full-time and he continues to prosper at a high level like he did in the preseason, securing that final roster spot would be another well-earned accomplishment, and he looks more than ready for the opportunity.

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Summer Weathers
SUMMER WEATHERS

My name is Summer Weathers — I’m a follower of Jesus, committed to walking in purpose and using the gifts He’s given me to tell meaningful stories in the world of sports. I’m a graduate of Oakland University with a degree in Journalism and Broadcast Media Studies. I have always had a deep love for sports –– the energy it brings, the high competition, the stories behind the game itself, and so many other great things. I knew I wanted to turn that passion into a career. I got my start in sports media during my sophomore year at OU, when I became the sports reporter for The Oakland Post, covering all campus athletics — even the magical March Madness game when Oakland knocked out Kentucky and Jack Gohlke made 10 threes. The energy was unreal, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget as a student journalist that traveled to Pennsylvania to witness and cover it all. In 2023, I began an internship with Tunnel Vision Network, where I contributed sports articles covering the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League. During the summer of 2024, I interned at Local 4 News in Detroit, which also played a big part in my professional development where I gained hands-on experience in newsroom operations — from tracking breaking news to going out on scene assignments, conducting interviews, and writing sports features and blog posts. And now...of course, more basketball. I have been sidelining for the Detroit Pistons G League Affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. You can also catch me contributing to Woodward Sports Network live shows, where I engage in discussions and stay closely connected to the heart of Detroit’s sports scene. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention — if you ever see me prepping for interviews and getting ready for game day, there’s a very good chance I’ll have a chai latte in my hand. It’s definitely my go-to!

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