Detroit Pistons: Jalen Duren set to thrive in Monty Williams’ offense

The Detroit Pistons hired head coach Monty Williams this summer in part to help fix their woeful offense, which has been among the worst in the NBA for the last four seasons.

Detroit was 29th in points per game this past season and their overall field goal percentage was the worst in the NBA. This isn’t all on Dwane Casey, as the Pistons prioritized developing their young players over actually winning games for most of his tenure, and to be fair to him, his offense worked a lot of the time, Detroit just didn’t make the shots.

Casey’s offense is designed to get open 3-point shots, and believe it or not, the Pistons got plenty of them, as they were 11th in the NBA last season in wide-open 3-point attempts. But they were just 19th in percentage, so they were getting the open looks and just not making them.

Monty Williams’ offense should involve more movement of players and the ball, as he preaches quick decision making, not holding the ball, backing down in the post or dribbling too much, things the Pistons were guilty of last season.

So players who make quick decisions with the ball and make the right pass should thrive in Williams’ offense, including big man Jalen Duren.

Detroit Pistons: Jalen Duren set to thrive in Monty Williams’ offense

We’ve talked about how coach Williams’ offense could help or hurt some of the big men on the Detroit Pistons.

The one that really stands out is Jalen Duren, who averaged over an assist per game as the youngest player in the league last season. Duren’s passing was a pleasant surprise, as the big man is very good at finding cutters and usually makes the right pass.

Williams’ offense often runs through the big man, so Duren will have increased chances to show off his passing, something he is looking forward to. Here’s what Duren had to say in a recent Q&A about his potential role next season:

"“A lot of it is playing through the big,” Duren said. “A lot of it is the big making decisions. I feel I’m good in that type of offense because I feel like I’m a great passer.”"

Duren seems to have more natural talent as a passer than center Deandre Ayton, who averaged just under two assists per game under Monty Williams.

We can expect similar results from Duren next season, as he is already a good passer and will get more opportunities in Monty Williams’ offense. If Duren can get to around three assists per game next season, he will be an even more valuable weapon in the halfcouft offense for the Pistons.