Dumars: Jerebko No. 1 Surprise

Posted: Oct. 24, 2009
Rookie Jerebko No. 1 surprise, Dumars says
By VINCE ELLIS

Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars didn't hesitate.

When asked which player has surprised him the most during training camp, he quickly said: "Jonas Jerebko."

That's not surprising, because of the three draft picks (Jerebko, Austin Daye and DaJuan Summers), he's the one who seems to have carved a spot in the playing rotation (although he likely will miss Wednesday's opener at Memphis due to a one-game suspension).

"The intangibles that he brings to the court," Dumars said Tuesday. "His endless effort ... his ability to run the court hard.

"He makes winning basketball plays. That may not result in 20 points and 10 rebounds, but he makes winning basketball plays."

Jerebko has impressed with his ability to defend at a high level, but showed some offense in Thursday's 122-114 loss to the Timberwolves. The 6-foot-10 forward scored six points in 18 minutes.

He had one basket on a running hook shot and another on a sweet scoop.