The Detroit Pistons have two of the most promising rookies in the NBA in Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, who have both flashed signs of future stardom this season.
Ivey has had his issues with shot selection, turnovers and defense, but he has continued to improve in those areas, and is a dedicated worker who studies film and has a desire to be great. He has been at times this season even though the Pistons have been missing Cade Cunningham, which put a heavier burden on the rookie.
Jalen Duren may be even further ahead of schedule, as he is the youngest player in the NBA and has already worked himself into the starting lineup behind elite rebounding, an efficient (but limited) offensive game and better-than-advertised passing.
Both players have been mainstays on the KIA Rookie Ladder this season, with Ivey climbing as high as #2 and Duren getting all the way up to #6 at one point.
We are just past the midpoint of the season, and both players are putting up numbers that could land them on the All-Rookie 1st team.
Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren on the Rookie Ladder
The KIA Rookie Ladder is the NBA’s weekly ranking of rookies and both Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren have been on it for most of the season.
This week, Ivey went up a spot, back up to third, and there is an argument that he should be higher considering he is playing a more challenging role on a worse team, while Mathurin is coming off the bench.
Paolo Banchero held down the first spot and is almost certain to win Rookie of the Year, as he is the only rookie getting legit All-Star consideration.
But both Pistons’ rookies have a shot at landing on the All-Rookie first team, as they have amassed impressive individual stats even though the Detroit Pistons are a bad team missing its best player.
Here is where Jaden Ivey ranks in key rookie categories with slightly less than half the season to play:
- Total points: 3rd
- Assists: 1st
- Steals: Tied for 2nd
- Free throw attempts: 3rd
- Rebounds: 7th
- Blocks: 11th
The rookie still has a way to go, especially defensively, but you expect that from a young guard. Ivey’s overall numbers are impressive.
Here is where Jalen Duren (7th on Rookie Ladder) ranks among rookies in some key areas:
- Rebounds: 1st (by a mile)
- Blocks: 4th
- Field goal percentage: 2nd
- Points: 11th
- Assists: 10th
If you look at the context, these numbers are even more impressive, as both of these players have been thrust into larger roles than expected for the Detroit Pistons. Yes, there have been some ups and downs, but considering their ages and the situation, fans have to be happy with what they’ve seen from the two rookies.
Both still have the second half to improve and there is a very good chance that the Pistons are going to have two players on the All-Rookie first team when the season is completed.