Stan Van Gundy will continue to use Blake as primary backup, Jennings up for challenge

A lot has happened since Jan. 24, 2015, the last time Brandon Jennings suited up for the Detroit Pistons.

The team acquired Reggie Jackson in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder before the 2014-15 trade deadline, a move that has worked wonders so far, with Jackson leading the team in both points and assists.

Detroit also has a new backup point guard this season after acquiring Steve Blake from the Brooklyn Nets for Quincy Miller in July. While Blake hasn't been spectacular for the Pistons, Stan Van Gundy said that Jennings isn't necessarily the heir to the backup role once he returns from an Achilles injury that has caused him to miss the last 11 months.

"I don't think at this point I would play him ahead of Steve," Van Gundy said to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press.

With Detroit currently sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference at 16-12 after missing the playoffs the last six seasons, continuity may be a concern for Van Gundy.

Jennings is a talented player, but also a high-volume shooter for a point guard, something that could become an issue for a Pistons team that is already near the bottom of the league in assists. Jennings has always put up good counting stats, but efficiency has continually been a concern with his game, as the 6-foot-1 point guard has shot below 40 percent in his career.

Fortunately, there are no hard feelings from Jennings' side, with the 26-year-old claiming he's up for the challenge.

"If I've got to earn my second spot, then let's practice for it," Jennings said. "Let's go play for a spot. I'm with it. I'm up for it."

Jennings is currently playing with Grand Rapids Drive, the Pistons' D-League affiliate, as he continues to rehab his Achilles injury.