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Detroit Pistons: 5 goals for Luke Kennard’s rookie season

By Karintha Styles

Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images /
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: Luke Kennard walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017, in New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: Luke Kennard walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017, in New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

5. Playing with passion and consistency

Kennard compensates for limited athleticism and strength with advanced scoring instincts and skills. During his sophomore season at Duke, he averaged 19.5 points per game.

Sometimes your shot just doesn’t fall. Even when Kennard’s shot isn’t falling, he’s still been able to create plays for his teammates. In five games in Orlando Summer League, he averaged 17.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

He spent the last few months improving on defense while adding agility and strength training drills.

Kennard discussed the improvement he’s seen in his games since Summer League tipped off with NBA.com’s Keith Langlois.

"“That’s one of the main focuses I had coming into this was learning a lot on defense,” he said. “Obviously, to learn about the entire game, but especially defensively and just to be in the right spots. This is a very mental game. You have to be mentally prepared and focused at all times. That’s what I’m trying to lock in and focus on and, defensively, I think I’ve improved since I’ve been here.” Kennard said"

In addition to working on his deficiencies before being drafted, Kennard shined during the two weeks of the NBA Summer League in Orlando. He even hit the game-winning shot in double-overtime against Miami, giving the Pistons a 73-71 win.

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