The Detroit Pistons are on the brink of the playoffs. After trading away Josh Smith to the Houston Rockets, chemistry picked up for the team as the remain on the bubble in the 10th spot just 2 1/2 games back from from getting into the eight spot. The Pistons hopes have been high in recent weeks thanks to a surge of wins, but all of that could potentially fall apart with the loss of Brandon Jennings.
The Detroit Pistons reported Sunday that point guard Brandon Jennings has torn his left Achilles and will miss the rest of the season. The point guard suffered the injury on Saturday, falling to the floor while attempting to inbound a pass. He immediately clutched his leg and had to be helped off the court. According to Jennings, he will be out the next six to nine months, meaning the Pistons are in need of a replacement.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Pistons might look to the New York Knicks for help moving forward. Jennings has been averaging 20.1 points and 6.8 assists since the end of December which makes him hard to replace, but the Pistons must do their best. Stein writes that Detroit is looking towards Jose Calderon or Pablo Prigioni to replace Jennings.
Calderon is likely not an option. While New York is desperate to dump his contract, he is simply going to cost Detroit too much. The team will not give up an abundance of draft picks or players in return for a season rental. Prigioni is the logical option. The point guard is averaging just 4.8 points and 2.5 assists this season, but his history of play overseas makes him more desirable.
Right now the Pistons have DJ Augustin and Spencer Dinwiddle at their point guard position. Augustin has 8.4 points and 4.2 assists per game while Dinwiddle has played exactly seven minutes all season. Those are not great options for a team on the brink of the playoffs, but neither is Prigioni.
For now, Detroit will rely heavily on Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond for the majority of the team's game place. Jodie Meeks will also be an asset. If a trade is not available, there are free agent options like Nate Robinson and Jordan Farmar who can help out.
