The Detroit Pistons are aiming to have a dynamic backcourt that features both Reggie Jackson and Brandon Jennings, but it might take awhile for that plan to actually be put on display. The Pistons acquired Jackson when Jennings went down with an Achilles tear and they are likely thankful they did. With Jennings not expected back for the first half of the season, will this force a trade deal should Jackson shine in his place?
According to Kurt Helin of ProBasketballTalk.com, Jennings is not expected back on the court until at least December as he is not progressing as quickly as the team would like. Jennings was the starting point guard and playing well at the position last year before going down with the injury and now the Pistons simply have to be patient and wait for his return.
"We don' know where Brandon is going to be health-wise. Right now, he's still recovering. We're probably looking at mid-to-late December to have him back," head coach Stan Van Gundy said, via Detroit Sports 105.1.
The question is what does this do to Jennings' future with the Pistons? There is no doubting that when Jennings is healthy he is an elite point guard. Right now Detroit Has Jackson signed to a five-year contract. If and when Jennings returns, he would be the backup while also getting paid starters money. Does this force a trade? According to the Detroit Free Press, the Pistons envision Jennings coming off the bench in a sixth-man role, something he has said he is open to. However, if trade interest were to rise, the Pistons might be willing to strike a deal.
With big contracts coming to players like Andre Drummond, the Pistons might aim to get Jennings' contract off the books. Teams will be looking at point guards come the mid-season deadline. Already, the New York Knicks have reported interest in Ricky Rubio. The Los Angeles Lakers have concerns regarding their rotation of D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson. The Sacramento Kings might not be sold on Rajon Rondo. The Dallas Mavericks are keeping their fingers crossed the Deron Williams can stay healthy.
The closer Jennings gets to being healthy, the more interest there will be in a trade. The question the Pistons must answer is how much they really believe the rotation of Jackson and Jennings is going to work. Eventually one player will have to go and it could be Jennings considering he has fewer years on his contract and his value in the league is still very high.
