Detroit Pistons: Luke Kennard and Henry Ellenson shine in 2017 NBA Summer League

Luke Kennard and Henry Ellenson use Summer League performances to boost their cases for playing time with the Detroit Pistons

When the Detroit Pistons drafted Luke Kennard they knew he could improve their shooting, but they weren’t sure if he could improve their defense.

Henry Ellenson‘s goal this summer was to leave the Pistons with a better impression than he left last year. Last year during the NBA Summer League, the only thing Ellenson was able to prove was that he was not quite ready. The Pistons drafted Ellenson last year with the No. 18 overall pick.

What a difference a year makes. Kennard and Ellenson both performed well during the Orlando portion of the NBA Summer League.

Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press summed up Kennard’s Summer League in a recent article.

"“The rookie understands how to play, showing an ability to adapt quickly to the many fringe players he first met a couple of days after the Pistons used the 12th pick to select the former Duke standout.”"

The first round draft pick gave the Pistons many reasons for excitement. In fact, Kennard gave the team and fans an entire highlight reel of reasons for hope.

Henry Ellenson’s improvement

Ellenson’s performance has improved dramatically over his 2016 NBA Summer League debut. Despite having an off night during the championship game, he had a good week.

Ellenson averaged 20.5 points per game through four outings, shooting 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range. His improved numbers hit home with Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy.

Gundy discussed Ellenson’s improvement with Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press.

"“’I think Henry is at that point where we know he’s ready to play,’ the Pistons coach said a short distance away from the Amway Center practice floor. ‘How it works out in a competitive situation for minutes, we’re going to have to see what the final roster looks like. You have to see what happens in training camp and all of that, but he’s certainly at a different point than he was a year ago.‘He’s in the mix and, I think, ready to fight guys for minutes. I think that position is probably our most competitive position and guys will be fighting for time and he will be in that mix.’”"

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

2017 Orlando Summer League championship

The Pistons came in second behind the Dallas Mavericks in the Orlando Summer League championship. Ellenson struggled most of the game. Kennard scored 24 points, including all the Pistons’ overtime points, and grabbed five rebounds. With just 6.7 seconds left in overtime, Kennard’s three-pointer tied the game.

Johnathan Motley answered with a heartbreaker, sinking a floater with just 0.9 seconds left to seal the victory for Dallas.

Overall Kennard’s efforts during his first Summer League were enough to give the Pistons fans hope.

Kennard performed better than anticipated on the defensive end during his first NBA outing. He discussed the improvement he’s seen in his game 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.’”"

Head coach Stan Van Gundy gave his thoughts and impressions on Kennard after the loss to the Mavericks.

"“’I told him that I would walk out of these two weeks, either saying he has a chance to play next year or I’m going to be saying he needs a year and let’s just forget about him. He has a chance, he has a chance to play. I’ve seen enough to know that. How far he comes through the summer and the rest of training camp and during the season, we’ll see.’ Van Gundy said.”"

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

To play in the NBA players need to maximize the opportunities life presents them. So far Kennard is taking advantage of every opportunity and positioning himself for frequent rotation in the Pistons’ rotation.