Jennings: Start Augustin if he's playing better

[epheisey]

TLDR: Both Jennings and Augustin are playing like **** but DJ is actually allowed to while Brandon sits

Pretty much. There has to be something we don't know. At least that's what I hope is the case, because the other option is that SVG plays favorites, and I hate that crap.

[JustinSane]

I can't believe I am about to do this, but I'm gonna defend Brandon Jennings on this one.

This is the quote in context, taken from the article in the Detroit Free Press:

"When told that Van Gundy said that Augustin has been the better point guard the first two games, Jennings quietly said: "Then he should start and I'll be the backup, if that's the case."

And with that Jennings added: "That's all I've got."

He then walked away from reporters."

So this was something that was basically sprung on him. SVG apparently had not told Jennings that Augustin had been the better PG so far, he was hearing this for the first time. Is it possible that this was actually something like humility? Could he have meant it? It's too much to ask that he be happy about it, but isn't a good thing for a player to want what's best for the team rather than him individually? Rip was totally opposed to coming off the bench. AI was too. A lot of players aren't at all open to this.

And late last season, Jennings went on record disagreeing with the interim coach. Jennings thought that the younger players who hadn't got playing time should get prominent roles the rest of the season after the Pistons were eliminated from playoff contention. He didn't have to do that. He just believed it was best for the team.

This season, Jennings' problem, so far as I can see, is that he hasn't been aggressive enough. But he's been trying to only take smart shots, to move the ball, he hasn't been turning it over, he's trying on defense. So far as I can tell, he's been doing his best to play the way everyone has been telling him he should play. It's at least possible he truly believes that if SVG has greater confidence in Augustin to run the point, that Augustin should run the point. Isn't that what a good team mate does? Care more about the team than themself? What was he supposed to do, disagree, claim to be a better PG? For being put on the spot in a no-win situation, I don't think he handled it badly at all.

[epheisey]

^If he had said something about he still deserved to be the starter, or still wanted to be the starter, poster's would be laughing at him calling him an idiot for being so blind to the truth and egotistical. Its a lose-lose for Jennings. He's getting Brandon Inge treatment at this point.

[fekz]

^If he had said something about he still deserved to be the starter, or still wanted to be the starter, poster's would be laughing at him calling him an idiot for being so blind to the truth and egotistical. Its a lose-lose for Jennings. He's getting Brandon Inge treatment at this point.

pretty much this