Daniss Jenkins has begun a Linsanity-level run.
That's not hyperbole. That's what the numbers say for the Detroit Pistons' out-of-nowhere shining guard.
According to OptaStats: "Daniss Jenkins of the @DetroitPistons is the first player to score 18+ points in each of his first three NBA starts while his team also wins each game since Jeremy Lin in February 2012."
This stat isn't limited by draft position or anything. A number one overall pick could've done this in their first three starts. But none have.
Lin in 2012, and now Jenkins in 2025. A 13-year gap with no such feat.
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It's truly quite improbable.
Jenkins started his college career at Pacific, then transferred to Iona, then followed Rick Pitino to St. John's.
That winding road led to Jenkins being 22 when he finished college hoops, which NBA teams consider ancient for a rookie, and he went undrafted in 2024.
The Pistons played Jenkins in seven games in 2024-25, no starts, and he didn't show much in just 22 total minutes.
An impressive offseason and some injuries have given Jenkins more of a chance this season, and he's run with it.
His stats in his three starts:
- 18 points, 12 assists
- 19 points, 8 assists
- 26 points, 8 assists
Jenkins shot 6-for-15 from 3-point range in that span, too, a 40% clip.
When Detroit is fully healthy, Jenkins may have to figure out how to fill a depth role. But he's also proven his high-end ability that can show up when called upon.
Lin's hot streak continued for a while, but then he never had another one like it.
Jenkins will try to flip that narrative on its head and prove he belongs in this league for a long time.
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