Detroit Pistons shooting guard Luke Kennard has had an up-and-down early career with the Motor City franchise. After finding himself selected by the Pistons with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft from Duke, the 6-foot-5 swingman has only started for Detroit in 19 games out of 136 appearances.

Entering his third season as a professional athlete—all with the Pistons—Kennard told the press that he is more focused on helping his team win than starting.

Per Rod Beard in The Detroit News:

“I don’t really care (about starting versus reserve). Whatever fits the best and whatever the coaches want, I’m there for it. Whenever I’m in the game, they want me to make an impact in some way,” Kennard said. “I have to be ready, no matter what. I’m excited to get going. I love this group and the guys we got in this offseason.

“I don’t prefer one or the other; I’m just going to make an impact the best way I can to help us win.”

“That was the most important thing for me, to have a healthy offseason and coming into training camp healthy and able to do everything,” he said. “I’m taking the steps in the right direction to have a big year, to make an even bigger impact and help us win more games. I’m excited and I think I’ve gotten a lot better this year. I’m looking forward to it.”

Kennard averaged 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 22.8 minutes per game, shooting 43.8% from the floor, 39.4% from the 3-point line, and 83.6% from the free throw line in 63 games and 10 starts last season.

The Pistons hope Kennard can continue to be lethal from the perimeter as head coach Dwane Casey and the franchise search for significant, impact players on the wing to help Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond manufacture wins.