Pistons' Jennings hopes to practice Thursday in L.A.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Back and forth, Brandon Jennings sprinted.

The Detroit Pistons point guard with the surgically repaired left Achilles ran between the half-court line and the top of the key today at Sleep Train Arena.

He would take passes at the top of the three-point arc and launch three-pointers.

The goal for the drill was 21 makes. The goal for Thursday's practice in Los Angeles? Increase his workload to where he is a full participant.

That doesn't mean he will take on the full workload. He just wants a taste to gauge where he is with his recovery.

"At least I want to go live a little bit just to see where it's at," Jennings said. "I'm not saying I have to go everything live, but a couple of things I want to see how I can do live because I'm making moves and everything.

"Hopefully, I'll be able to practice tomorrow. That's where I'm at."

It's been roughly 10 months since he suffered the season-ending injury at Milwaukee. He says it feels sore when he wakes up and it takes longer to warm up.

Even if he accomplishes his goal, Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy ruled out a return this month.

Jennings is excited by the team's 5-2 start.

"The guys are playing well, the chemistry is great," Jennings said. "The confidence is high, even though the game against Golden State, I still felt like we were in that game."

On point: The Pistons fan base has had about enough of veteran Steve Blake – especially after five turnovers in Monday night’s loss at Golden State.

There is a case to be made for second-year point guard Spencer Dinwiddie to get the backup minutes since the team will have to make a roster decision there next off-season.

Van Gundy was asked this morning if that enters his line of thinking.

“It’s always a possibility. I don’t feel a compulsion to do anything, but we think about that, yes,” Van Gundy said.

Note: Jennings welcomed his third son recently. "Brandon Jennings II," he said while beaming.

Contact Vince Ellis at vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.