It was last spring in Detroit, during the memorable Knicks-Pistons opening-round playoff series, when I opted to attend a practice for the home team, looking to catch up with former St. John’s star Daniss Jenkins.
He wasn’t going to appear in the series, because players on two-way contracts are ineligible for the postseason. It didn’t stop him from being the last Piston on the practice floor, getting up as many shots as he could, as if this preparation would be essential to helping Detroit advance.
What struck me most was his confidence, despite appearing in just seven games in his first season as a professional and without a contract for the following year. His two-way deal was for only for his rookie season.
“I know I can play in this league for sure,” the sweat-drenched Jenkins said then.