Why Jonas Jerebko Should Get More Playing Time
The Detroit Pistons have gotten off to a very rocky beginning to start the 2014-2015 NBA season. After another loss to the Atlanta Hawks last night, nothing has been easy for this year’s Pistons. Their record stands at a pitiful 3-10.
The only thing between them and the worst record in the weaker Eastern Conference is an embarrassing Philadelphia 76ers team. Oh and a sad New York Knicks team that has struggled.
More from Detroit Pistons
- This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
- Could the Pistons Have the Longest Losing Streak in NBA History?
- What Ausar Thompson and Bill Walton Already Have in Common
- WATCH: Awesome Alley-Oop From Pistons’ Rookies Showcases Exciting Future
- 3 Michigan Sportsbook Promos You Can’t Afford to Miss (Unlock Over $2,400!)
Fans that tune in are being subjected to the Big 3 lineup again. Seeing how the Josh Smith–Greg Monroe–Andre Drummond lineup went last year, nobody wants to see that mess again.
It’s even worse now that Smith is having a terrible shooting season. He’s shooting an embarrassing 37.4% this year. What’s worse is his 19% 3p% on 1.6 shots. We also can’t forget his Drummond-esque 45.8% FT%.
On 19 shots against the Atlanta Hawks (his hometown team), he scored a mere 16 points. 16 points on 19 shots. The definition of inefficiency.
Head Coach Stan Van Gundy needs to do something with his lineup. With 3rd year big man Andre Drummond struggling to find his groove and constantly in foul trouble, he has to make some adjustments.
What about Jonas Jerebko?
Oct 17, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko (33) passes the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 99-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jerebko has quietly become the longest-tenured Detroit Piston on the active roster. After Will Bynum was traded for Center Joel Anthony, Jerebko is officially the longest-tenured Piston.
He’s averaging a mere 16.1 minutes per game. Hardly enough to find a groove in-game.
He cleared the 20-minute plateau once this entire season against the Phoenix Suns. He already has two DNP-CD already this year. One on the back-end of a back-to-back in a loss to the Chicago Bulls.
The only reason he got more than 20 minutes against the Suns was because of Smith’s benching after a ‘jawing session’ with Coach Stan Van Gundy.
A fan favorite known for his hustle and grit, Jerebko should be getting more playing time.
More from Detroit Pistons
- This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
- Could the Pistons Have the Longest Losing Streak in NBA History?
- What Ausar Thompson and Bill Walton Already Have in Common
- WATCH: Awesome Alley-Oop From Pistons’ Rookies Showcases Exciting Future
- 3 Michigan Sportsbook Promos You Can’t Afford to Miss (Unlock Over $2,400!)
Jerebko is also an interesting player in the pick-and-roll. As the roller, he can either go deep in the post or stay back on the 3-point line. Jerebko is secretly hitting 40% of all his 3’s this year (albeit in a very limited sample size of 20 shots).
As a stretch-4, Jerebko fits in nicely with Van Gundy’s system he excelled with during his time with the Orlando Magic. With 2 players in Monroe and Smith in front of him on the depth chart it will be hard for Jerebko to get any meaningful playing time.
Though there are two players in front of him, Van Gundy needs to look at them both long and hard. Giving Monroe his playing time is a good idea as he’s probably the best Piston on the roster. Josh Smith though, should be benched or at least given a lesser role.
Now, your thoughts. Should Jerebko get more playing time? Or should Van Gundy roll with Drummond and Smith and see if it’ll sort itself out? Whatever your answer, somebody will have to step up if the Pistons want to win some games.