The Detroit Pistons are team that has the potential to make some noise in a less than stellar Eastern Conference. Despite losing Greg Monroe, they somehow made improvements to the overall roster in the offseason and could be contending for their first playoff appearance since 2009.
They have a formidable backcourt in Reggie Jackson and Brandon Jennings but the main issue right now is that Jennings is still recovering from an achilles injury that ended his 2014-15 campaign. Jackson will be the starting point guard as training camp is set to begin and Jennings might not be close to even returning to an NBA court.
Following from David Aldridge of NBA.com.
Jennings is “not close” to being cleared, according to a source. He is currently shooting and running on a treadmill at 60 percent of his body weight, but the Pistons need to be able to see him run, cut and shoot off of one leg before he’s cleared to even begin non-contact drills on court.
Jennings and Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews both suffered a torn achilles last season. Matthews progress appears to be going as scheduled and the Mavs are willing to wait on Wes. For Jennings, his return to the court isn’t looking like it will happen anytime soon.
Brandon has previously stated that he would be willing to come off the bench for Detroit and this could be key especially if he doesn’t join the team until November or December. By then, Reggie Jackson will be running the team and his backcourt running mate should be Kentavious Caldwell-Pope so just plugging Jennings into the starting lineup could be detrimental to the growth of those two young players.
It is concerning to hear that one player is appearing to do well while the other is struggling to get back to his playing form.
