Report: Jennings aiming for Dec. 29 return to Pistons' lineup

Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings plans to return to NBA action during a visit to the New York Knicks on Dec. 29, according to CSN's Vincent Goodwill.

Jennings has been practicing with the Pistons for some time, and he had targeted a return around the holidays. The 26-year-old hasn't played since Jan. 24, when he ruptured his left Achilles tendon against his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jennings hopes to suit up for Pistons' D-League affiliate this weekend.

He told reporters Wednesday he was "80 percent" likely to play Saturday for the Grand Rapids Drive, although it hadn't been fully cleared by Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy.

"I just want to play, man." Jennings said. "I just want to get out there and hoop and see where it's at."

There was some question how the point guard would re-integrate into the Pistons lineup after they added Reggie Jackson in the wake of Jennings' injury. Jackson, now ensconced as the starting lead guard, is having a career year. However the Pistons' bench is one of the NBA's weakest, and the addition of a player like Jennings to the second unit should serve as a shot in the arm.