Hoops Habit
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NBA Christmas: A Gift For Every Team’s Wish List

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy talks to guard Steve Blake (22) against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Pistons

A Bench

The imminent return of Brandon Jennings should bolster the Detroit Pistons‘ bench, but this also calls to mind the issue of how Jennings — a starter in 409 of his 412 career NBA games — will adjust to being Reggie Jackson‘s backup. Will he embrace the role? Will he boost his trade value in the process? Will the Pistons consider dealing him depending on how he performs?

There are a lot of questions to answer, but one thing is for certain: Detroit needs some added depth. Detroit’s formidable starting five accounts for 77.9 of the team’s 101.4 points per game with a point differential of +4.0 — the fifth best plus/minus among starting units in the league.

The bench, however, has posted a -2.6 point differential (fourth worst in the league) and only contributes 23.5 points per game, making them the lowest scoring bench in the association. Here’s hoping Jennings and/or a minor trade or two can help the Pistons turn this disturbing trend around.

Next: Golden State Warriors