The Detroit Pistons avoided disaster in round 1, storming back from a 3-1 deficit to the 8-seeded Orlando Magic, and there's no doubt that the majority of credit should be given to star guard Cade Cunningham.
Obviously, the entire fan base is appreciative of Cunningham’s heroics in the final three games of the first-round series, but if there’s anyone who should be most grateful, it’s big man Jalen Duren, who should be thanking his running mate for saving his offseason payday.
Along the way of Detroit's opening round, Duren's play was one of the biggest stories coming out of the Motor City.
The big man was expected to be the No. 2 scoring option that could help lead the Pistons on a championship run, but instead, the breakout star was seemingly locked down by Wendell Carter Jr. and the Magic's physicality.
And while his current postseason averages of 10.6 points and 9,4 rebounds don't scream worthy of a max contract, Cunningham's charge to keep the team's season alive gave Duren a chance at redemption.
Jalen Duren has the chance to change the narrative
Detroit is locked in for a semi-final matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and after his lackluster showing in round one, there's no doubt that all eyes will be on him moving forward.
Duren is expected to land a monster payday this offseason, but after his abysmal play, the narrative surrounding his Pistons future seemed to suggest the team would soon regret allocating a large portion of their financial resources to a big, who fell flat when the postseason arrived.
Now, Duren has a chance to find his footing in round two, against a Cavaliers team that could have a tough time adjusting to the physicality in the post.
If Duren turns things around, Cunningham is to thank
The Cavs' talented frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen aren't pushovers by any means, but there's no doubt that Duren's playstyle could pose an issue for Cleveland's bigs, considering they rely on length rather than strength.
With Duren's bruising post-play, the Memphis product has the chance to prove that he's every bit worthy of the offseason deal he's projected to land.
Cunningham led the charge, but he can't turn things around for Duren himself.
At the same time, the 22-year-old was granted a clean slate and a fresh new series, where he'll have the opportunity to prove he's capable of being that No. 2 option alongside Cunningham.
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