5 takeaways from Pistons’ Summer League: Will Daniss Jenkins compete for rotation spot?

DETROIT The Detroit Pistons ended the 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas with a 3-2 record.

Their final game took place Saturday night, a 96-84 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Cox Pavilion.Related ArticlesExtra work pays off for Pistons Ron Holland II in Las Vegas: It showedI love that dude: Pistons Holland, Robinson make amends after scuffle last yearPistons Summer League preview: Can Bobi Klintman, Chaz Lanier shake up the depth?Pistons Chaz Lanier ready to make immediate impact: I am going to give them my allAfter pivoting from Malik Beasley, Pistons remain optimistic in roster constructionThe Pistons fell short of their championship aspirations but still managed to establish themselves as one of the most intriguing teams in the league.

They stayed true to their identity by playing unselfishly with pace while adhering to the teams defensive principles.

During their time in Las Vegas, the Pistons performance showcased five players who experienced varying levels of results.

Best player: Ron Holland IIHolland had the best performance on the Pistons Summer League roster, much to the teams satisfaction.

He played in three games and showed noticeable improvements within his skill set, particularly with his 3-point shooting.Holland averaged a team-high 21.7 points on 46.7% 3-point shooting.

He began the tournament shooting 6-of-8 from deep through the first two games.

The second-year forward had an impressive performance displaying his two-way versatility with averages of 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 steals.I feel like Ive grown a lot, Holland said.

When Im in the gym with Freddie V.

(Fred Vinson), we have worked on catch-and-shoot, but I am a basketball player.

I just love basketball, I know what kind of player I am.

I feel like I am just out there hoopin and making the right plays.Build a case for a rotational spot: Daniss JenkinsJenkins likely benefited the most from his performance in Las Vegas.

He was Detroits second-best player and even outperformed Holland during the Pistons 98-83 win over the Houston Rockets on July 13.

He finished with 23 points, six assists, two steals and a block.

Jenkins strong defensive play was also crucial in helping Detroit slow down Reed Sheppard, who started the game by missing six of his first seven shots.The Pistons regular-season rotation will not be affected by the production emerging from Las Vegas.

However, Jenkins has made a strong case to compete for a third-string point guard spot at the start of training camp.

Perhaps he can be a player similar to Paul Reed, who may not get many minutes but can effectively fill a needed position in emergencies.The second-year undrafted prospect from St.

Johns averaged 14.0 points while shooting 42.1% from behind the arc, 5.4 assists and 1.0 steals.

Jenkins led the Pistons to an impressive 108-88 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday with 16 points and 10 assists without committing a turnover.Just trying to show that I can run a team, Jenkins said.

Its about being comfortable and setting everything up, having everyone trust in me that I am going to give us the best shot possible for that play.Most intriguing player: Tolu SmithBefore leaving for Las Vegas, Smith aimed to dominate the middle as one of the best big men in the tournament.

Smith may not have done enough to shake up Detroits regular frontcourt, but he left Las Vegas as arguably the Pistons most intriguing prospect.Smith averaged 13.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.

He also showcased his versatility with his passing, recording nearly 2.0 assists per game.

Smiths best moment, which demonstrated his on-court vision, came during the Pistons win over the Rockets.

Early in the first quarter, he completed a no-look bounce pass to Jenkins, who finished the possession with a two-handed dunk.I just want to dominate, let everyone know thats my paint, Smith said.

Whether thats rebounding, defending, scoring around the rim, passing the ball or making the right reads.

I want to show that I can do a little bit of everything.Motor City hopeful: Zakai ZeiglerZeigler might have secured a position with the Motor City Cruise.

After joining the Pistons Summer League roster, the 5-foot-9 point guard played a crucial role in the teams success, averaging 9.0 points with a field-goal shooting percentage of 39.1%, a 3-point percentage of 45.5% and 3.0 assists per game.

There were also moments when Zeigler outperformed his college teammate, Chaz Lanier.Zeigler, the Pistons sixth man in Las Vegas, went undrafted in June.

He could find himself honing his skills as a member of Detroits G League affiliate team, especially if Jenkins can earn a small rotation role on the main team by mid-October.Zakai is a dawg, Lanier said.

I feel like he is the best defender who has ever guarded me.

He is super physical.

He is exceptionally smart, particularly in the way he utilizes his IQ on defense.

He is just a great player.Most disappointing player: Bobi KlintmanKlintmans performance in Las Vegas was decent but somewhat disappointing when compared to the lofty expectations he had entering the tournament.

An impressive outing could have earned him a backup role in coach J.B.

Bickerstaffs rotation next season.

However, Klintman might spend his second year developing his skills in the G League.Klintman demonstrated solid playmaking and defensive efforts, but his offensive production was subpar at best.

In five games he averaged 9.0 points while shooting 40.5% from the field and an appalling 29.4% from behind the arc.

However, Klintman did prove that he is a reliable rebounder by notching 7.2 boards..

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