Brandon Jennings won't be back until mid- to late-December

As always, Brandon Jennings didn't let reality interfere with his supreme confidence. It's true on the basketball court, and it's just as true in the rehab room.

Shortly after Jennings had his season ended with a ruptured Achilles, he proclaimed he'd be ready by training camp. Head coach Stan Van Gundy, however, has given the first inkling of a timetable for his point guard's return and the head coach says mid- to late-December.

Van Gundy made the comments during an interview with Detroit Sports 105.1.

Jennings has already said he is comfortable accepting the role of backup point guard in Detroit.

It's no surprise that the severe injury, which he suffered in late January, would take almost a year to fully heal.

The timetable also helps clarify, somewhat, what has been a cloudy roster picture in Detroit, where there are 19 guys under contract and only 15 spots up for grabs. Reggie Jackson is the unquestioned starter at point guard, and Steve Blake will be the backup until Jennings returns.

Third-string guard Spencer Dinwiddie looked like he was on the roster bubble, but if Detroit needs to survive for two months without Jennings then the Mayor's roster spot is almost guaranteed. That leaves a couple guys with partially guaranteed deals who seem bound for the Grand Rapids Drive (Adonis Thomas and Eric Griffin, respectively) and the injury-plagued veteran Danny Granger, who seems likely to be waived.

Lopping off those three players means that three players are fighting for one roster spot, between Cartier Martin, Reggie Bullock and Darrun Hilliard. That is, of course, barring any trades.