Daniss Jenkins' Slump: Pistons' Firepower in Jeopardy

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is NBA News Today. Subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game. Dana's Jenkins was a big reason for the Detroit Piston's strong start this season. The undrafted rookie turned heads off the bench, averaging close to 10 points per game. That hot streak earned him a two-year deal worth $8 million, locking him into the roster full-time. Earlier in the year, expectations were low for Jenkins on his two-way contract. He stepped up huge, starting seven games while backing up Cade Cunningham. Highlights included a career-best 24 points and 8 rebounds against the Wizards in November, plus 15 assists versus the bulls-in. January, his g-league dominance, like a 33-point 18-assist explosion, convinced the pistons he belonged in the NBA. Fans loved his energy as a spark plug, boosting the team's early success. Since signing the deal, though, Jenkins has hit a rough patch. His field goal-shooting has dropped to 28%, threes at just 17%, and he's averaging under five points with fewer than.

1:04One assists per game. In the recent loss to the spurs, he played 15 minutes, when 0 for 6 from the field, missed free throws, and posted the team's second worst. Plus, minus. Now, his minutes are shrinking behind guys like Cares Levert and Marcus Asser, but the pistons still need his fire for a playoff run. This story is made possible by our sponsor. Your pillow, your podcast, your moment made for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.