The Detroit Pistons had a lackluster 2016-2017 NBA season, going 37-45 and missing the playoffs after making it the year before. The Pistons began last season without starting point guard Reggie Jackson as he recovered from his knee injury, but the team still struggled upon his eventual return.
For second-year forward Henry Ellenson, the 2017-2018 NBA season represents an opportunity to finally earn rotation minutes under head coach Stan Van Gundy. Ellenson, who was selected 18th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, has yet to make an impact with the Pistons. According to Chris Nelsen of Detroit Free Press, the power forward is eager to show he can contribute for Detroit:
“Coach has said many times, ‘No one is a starter, no one is a bench player. There's minutes to be earned,' ” the 6-foot-11, 245-pound Ellenson said Wednesday. “You have to go in and compete. That will be my biggest mindset, being a good competitor.
“I'm an overall better player. I've learned a lot from last year. Obviously, every day there's something new to learn, but I feel more comfortable. I'm a lot stronger; I've been hitting the weight room hard. Just overall, I've been working every day. That's the biggest thing, just getting better.”
Marcus Morris' departure to the Boston Celtics opens up time in the frontcourt for Ellenson and he should compete for minutes at the power forward position. The big man had impressive flashes at this year's Orlando Summer League and looks ready for real NBA minutes.
The Pistons drafted Ellenson with the hope he could open up the floor with his ability to shoot from downtown. Van Gundy is known for his pick-and-roll, four-out offensive scheme, and it will be interesting to see if Ellenson is up to the task of playing in his coach's system.
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