Henry Ellenson, the 18th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft for the Detroit Pistons, is still struggling to find the floor and get some minutes.
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At the beginning of the 2017 NBA season, it looked like Pistons fans were finally going to get a good look at Ellenson. He had a good pre-season and came out of the gates playing well once regular-season ball started. It seemed like he may have grabbed a spot in the rotation.
However, that thought quickly went awry, and he is once again on the end of the bench in Detroit. However, for what it’s worth, he’s still making strides in the right direction according to a report following practice.
The following statements from head coach Stan Van Gundy is courtesy of Keith Langlois and Pistons.com:
“So the idea that you can’t develop when you’re not playing a lot just doesn’t hold true,” Van Gundy said. “Henry’s gotten better as the year’s gone on. He’s a guy in love with the game, so he doesn’t check out. He keeps working at it and trying to get better all the time.”
Ellenson on people asking him why he isn’t playing:
“Yeah, it is tough, people asking. They’re just wondering how I’m dealing with stuff and I explain,” he said. “My time will come. Not right now. You never know. That’s kind of where I’m at. I love basketball. Basketball is fun for me. Coming in the gym every day and being able to compete, that’s what I enjoy.”
It’s good to hear that Ellenson is still getting better, and having fun, but with the recent acquisition of Blake Griffin and the recent news that the Pistons are interested in re-signing Anthony Tolliver, where does that leave Ellenson? If he is at the end of the bench right now, and if Jon Leuer ever comes back, there may not be much of a future for the former first rounder.
At least, not in a Pistons uniform.
