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Luke Kennard is the key to success for the Detroit Pistons

By Bob Heyrman

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 04: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket while playing the Denver Nuggets at Little Caesars Arena on February 04, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 129-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 04: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket while playing the Denver Nuggets at Little Caesars Arena on February 04, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 129-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The offseason has been pretty exciting although the Detroit Pistons were not financially able to sign a grade-A or B free agent.  Ed Stefanski added a surplus of depth players that will all contribute in a rotational role.  One player that could make or break the Pistons this season is Luke Kennard.

Luke Kennard is heading into his third NBA season.  The product from Duke University could break out this season with the Pistons.  The Detroit Pistons selected Kennard with the 12th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

In fact, the Pistons are not the only organization that thinks highly of the 23-year-old shooting guard.  Kennard was often brought up in trade rumors, but the Pistons were reluctant to trade the young guard. As the team searched to upgrade their roster teams’ sought Kennard in return.  When Stefanski called Memphis asking about point guard Mike Conley, the Grizzles wanted Luke to be the central piece in return, that ended the trade talks.

Kennard elevated his game in nearly every statistical category during his second NBA season from his rookie year.  He played approximately 3 more minutes a night scoring 2.1 points per game more in year two.  His three-point percentage has been terrific in both seasons, converting on 40% of his shots beyond the arc.

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He shoots 85% from the charity stripe, with a 44% field goal percentage while averaging 3 boards per game. Luke excelled down the stretch for the Detroit Pistons.  He was one of the lone bright spots for the team in the playoffs although the struggling Pistons couldn’t provide any resistance against the Milwaukee Bucks. During the series, Kennard posted substantial numbers throughout the four-game series.

With star forward, Blake Griffin injured, and Andre Drummond struggled to pace the offense alone the door was open for someone to step up. Luke Kennard started two of the four playoff games while averaging 15 points per game. Kennard also shot 60% from three in the brief four-game series.

He averaged 33.3 minutes per game and similar to his regular-season stats while on the court he was a plus player.  It’s incredible to think about Kennard being a plus-player in a series where the Detroit Pistons didn’t appear on the same level as the Bucks.  At times it felt like the two teams’ were in different leagues throughout the series.

The playoffs were an indication that Luke Kennard has the potential to provide a terrific spark off the bench this upcoming season, especially if he is granted the proper playing time.  If Kennard can average around 28-minutes per game, I could see him averaging around 15 points per game.

Kennard is the best shooting guard option the team has but will be much more valuable playing in a sixth man type role.  Shooting 40% from three gives the Pistons a spark off the bench.  Now with Derrick Rose on the team, Kennard and Rose provide a one-two scoring punch while Griffin, Jackson, etc. are getting a rest.

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If Kennard is in a rhythm, he will see plenty of minutes amongst the Pistons starters.  But playing with Griffin on the bench will allow the Pistons to run their offense through Kennard, giving the youngster many more scoring opportunities. Expect a career year statistically for Luke Kennard next season.

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