Former NBA guard Brandon Jennings believes he could have earned $200 million and become a multiple-time All-Star if he had not suffered a torn Achilles tendon while playing for the Detroit Pistons under head coach Stan Van Gundy.
Jennings was playing some of the best basketball of his career during the 2014-15 season before the injury interrupted his progress.
After opening the season with a 5-23 record, Detroit won 12 of its next 15 games, with Jennings averaging approximately 20 points and 7.2 assists during that stretch.
Reflecting on his time with the Pistons, Jennings praised Van Gundy for his preparation and detailed approach to coaching.
“He’s one of the greatest coaches I’ve ever had that prepare you for a game. I’ve never been prepared for a game from any coach like Stan Van Gundy. I’m talking about he know everything about you, and it’s going to be all the things that you do. Then he’s going to get this board. The whole board is going to be filled with everything that go into the game. So if you fuck up, you ain’t paying attention.”
Jennings explained that Van Gundy’s game planning played an important role in Detroit’s turnaround after its difficult start to the season.
“It was so detailed and dialed in. It was some of the best game planning I’ve ever seen in my life. That’s why when we was 5 and 23, and we hit that stride, it was because people started dialing in, and then of course I tore my Achilles. But that little stint with Stan Van Gundy… If I don’t get hurt with Stan Van Gundy, I’m $200 million in and 2-time, 3-time All-Star. Let’s stop playing. I got Andre Drummond, KCP, Greg Monroe. Jodie Meeks over here, Kyle Singler.”
Jennings believed Detroit could continue winning with teammates including Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe.
However, a torn Achilles ended his 2014-15 season and affected his subsequent performance.
