The criticism for Jalen Duren throughout the postseason has been harsh and understandably so.
After a breakout year, it felt like the Detroit Pistons had a 1-2 punch between Duren and Cade Cunningham that could allow for the team to go head-to-head with anyone in the East.
However, if it weren't for Cunningham's heroics in round one and arguably the first two games in this series, Detroit's season two may not be alive, and a major reason for that is the disastrous run of Duren.
The biggest issue for Duren's struggles in this second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers is less about how he's been so bad for Detroit, but how he's been a major boost for the Cavs without even trying.
Jalen Duren has become a weapon for the Cavaliers
Cleveland isn't the team that originally broke Duren's spirit, as the Orlando Magic can be given the credit for that.
Nonetheless, the Cavaliers have done their fair share to ensure the big man couldn't get himself back on track, and so far, it's worked out in their favor.
Duren's lack of confidence has been obvious, and how much that's impacted the Pistons over the last couple of games has made it seem like he's become a secret agent for Cleveland.
I mean, the big man has played with Cade Cunningham for several years, and in Game 4, it looked like the two were just introduced to one another pregame.
Duren is forgetting tendencies from his teammates; he doesn't attack the boards with the same effectiveness that he did throughout the last few months, and while he's become one of the best players for the Pistons, he's also become his own worst enemy.
Duren can't snap out out of his slump
In round one, even with Duren's offensive struggles, the Memphis product still made it a point to impact the games in other ways.
Duren made it a point to protect the paint, fight for rebounds, and at least attempt to help run the offense.
Now, he's seemingly stopped the attempt to dig himself out of the hole that's been dug, and for Detroit, that's a major problem.
J.B. Bickerstaff may not want to pull the plug on Duren in the starting lineup, but if he continues playing to the opposing team's advantage, it'll be hard not to realize that it may be in Detroit's best interest to make the adjustment.
Add us as a preferred source on Google