Jenkins Making a Name in the NBA
Danis Jenkins has certainly caught the attention of NBA fans. Just last week, he hit a corner three-pointer as the buzzer rang, helping push the game between the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards into overtime. Shortly after, he made headlines with a remarkable 52-foot shot that beat the third-quarter buzzer against the 76ers. Despite the Pistons missing seven crucial players—most notably Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren—Jenkins stepped up and led the team to victories over both Chicago and Philadelphia.
The Pistons find themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference early in the season, and quite surprisingly, Jenkins has become a standout player. Currently, he’s on a two-way contract worth only $85,000 this season, which means he has to make the most of his opportunities. Considering he was playing in junior college just four years ago, this progress is impressive. What he’s accomplishing now is almost unheard of.
In today’s NBA, where recruiting rankings and prior prestige often dictate player success, Jenkins has forged a unique path from the sport’s lowest levels to becoming a significant contributor for a team aiming for the Finals. It’s all a bit baffling, but his story keeps getting better.
Jenkins is averaging 20.2 points and 7.2 assists on some notable shooting stats—50/44/80—while playing close to 35 minutes per game in the last five outings. These figures are remarkable and reminiscent of some big names in the league. With Dennis Schroder’s departure to the Kings and Jaden Ivey’s knee injury before the season, the Pistons desperately needed another playmaker, and Jenkins has surprisingly filled that role.
So, who exactly is Danis Jenkins? Where did he come from? His journey started when he gained Rick Pitino’s trust, a well-respected coach in basketball over the years. This was, I think, the turning point in his career.
Jenkins stood out as one of Dallas’ top high school players but didn’t attract national attention. He received a Division I offer from the University of the Pacific under coach Damon Stoudemire and quickly became a starter. In his freshman year, he made the WCC All-Freshman team, but after Stoudemire left for a position with the Boston Celtics, Jenkins found limited interest from other schools.
He then enrolled at Odessa College back in Texas and worked hard to restore his reputation. He was named a first-team NJCAA All-American and led his team to the Elite Eight. It was during this time that Rick Pitino, who was trying to revitalize his career at Iona after a scandal at Louisville, took notice of him.
Pitino had already unearthed talent in a two-sport athlete, Walter Clayton Jr. Jenkins joined the team, which soon became a force within the conference, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament. However, they faced a tough loss in the first round to a national championship-winning team.
When Pitino took the head coach position at St. John’s University the next year, he wanted both Creighton and Jenkins to follow him. Clayton opted for Florida and achieved national acclaim, while Jenkins decided against migrating to New York.
Pitino praised Jenkins, calling him a “lightning-fast guard” and a valuable leader. Jenkins did well in the Big East, finishing as the top scorer for St. John’s and receiving All-Conference Second Team recognition. The team found success, but Jenkins went undrafted in 2024. He then participated in summer league workouts, aiming for another chance, and it seemed Pitino remained supportive.
The Pistons saw promise in Jenkins during the Summer League, giving him a two-way contract. He mainly played in the G League, averaging 21 points and 6.8 assists, improving his three-point shooting, although it still needed work. Last year, he played against Reed Shepard, the third overall pick, and outshone him, scoring 23 points in just 23 minutes.
His NBA debut came in a playoff matchup but was limited due to injury delays in Detroit. However, as opportunities began to unfold, Jenkins found himself thriving in a more prominent role, particularly with Cunningham sidelined. His assist rate ranks in the upper tier of the league, and while he isn’t explosive, he’s nimble and possesses good court vision.
What stands out is how composed he remains, even under pressure. Facing one of the league’s top defenders, Jenkins skillfully navigated his way to create passing opportunities. His passing prowess is impressive; he’s averaging nearly 17.9 assists, which is a respectable figure for a player still finding his footing.
Defensive capability is crucial for Jenkins, an area that Pitino noticed early on. His steal rate is among the best for combo guards, highlighting his ability to impact the game on both ends. He’s also effective on the boards, showing tenacity for a guard.
Although shooting is typically an issue, Jenkins has found some recent success, hitting 44.8 percent from three-point range this season. Sure, his shooting numbers might fluctuate, but it’s the other aspects of his game—like playmaking and defense—that seem sustainable.
Under his current contract, Jenkins can play only 50 games unless the Pistons make roster adjustments. This move feels like a foregone conclusion now. The Pistons show promise, and Jenkins is at the heart of it. While the likes of Cunningham and Duren have shone, Jenkins’ contributions have been significant, pulling the team together as they navigate a long season.
In short, Jenkins is proving to be a pivotal figure for the Pistons, and his rise in the NBA makes for one of the most inspiring narratives in the sport today.
