Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Jennings‘ arrival to the Detroit Pistons almost overshadowed the signing of free agent Josh Smith.
It’s not that one acquisition was more important than the other, though.
They both were significant in transferring the Pistons from a losing team to playoff contenders. Jennings will provide more consistency and excellence than the Pistons have enjoyed since the NBA Championships days in 2004 when Chauncey Billups was leading the way. Billups is back, but isn’t the Chauncey of old. Jennings is just starting to get into his prime, a factor that excites the Pistons.
Jennings will help the Pistons protect the ball more effectively than in the past and will get the offense clicking on all cylinders. His shooting percentage is of some mild concern for the Pistons, but his aggressiveness and ability to get the offense fully involved in the game is what will make a major impact on Detroit.
He started all 80 of the 80 games in which he participated for the Bucks last year, and averaged 36.2 minutes, 17.5 points, 6.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 39.9 percent from the floor, 37.5 percent on three-point shots and 81.9 percent in free throws. His figures from a year ago are consistent with what Jennings compiled in his four-year career.
His consistency to produce impressive numbers is what will make him a valuable player for the Pistons. Jennings’ best basketball is ahead of him. At least that’s what the Pistons are hoping. If that’s the case this season, he’ll be among the reasons the Pistons make it to the playoffs.
John Raffel is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JohnCarlRaffel, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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