Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings, who hasn't played in an NBA game since rupturing his left Achilles tendon nearly 11 months ago, is "ready to go," coach Stan Van Gundy said Monday.
"I think he's ready," Van Gundy told reporters Monday. "Our decision now -- Steve [Blake] has been playing well, and our bench has actually been good the last three games -- it's a matter of timing and when we want to go to him. He's ready to go now.
"It's not easy after 11 months off."
Blake, who was acquired in a trade from the Brooklyn Nets in July, said he's ready to move into a backup role when Jennings returns.
"That was an understanding of mine coming here," said Blake, who is averaging 4.4 points and 3.1 assists this season. "Coach Van Gundy and I talked about that. When he [Jennings] comes back, the chance of me going to the bench and him playing at some point was an understanding of mine. When that time comes, that's fine with me.
"It's a team thing. I don't see him and I as a competition. We're teammates playing against other people."
Jennings played in one game for the D-League's Grand Rapids Drive, scoring 11 points and doling out 12 assists in 27 minutes on Thursday.
He has averaged 16.6 points and 6.2 assists during his six-year NBA career.
