The Boston Celtics put their faith in an inexperienced frontcourt and the trust in their development this season, putting the weight of the shoulders on Neemias Queta and Luka Garza for the majority of the season.
Boston's risk now looks worth the reward, and for the Detroit Pistons, Jalen Duren's abysmal playoff showing now puts the team in a position where paying attention to the Celtics blueprint may be their best option heading into a pivotal offseason.
Through four games in the NBA Playoffs, Duren has seemingly proven his doubters right, while playing himself out of the contract he earned during his All-NBA-worthy regular season campaign.
There's no doubt the big man will be paid this offseason, but after falling to be the No. 2 scoring option Detroit hinged their playoff success on, the Pistons no longer seem like the team that should be inking him to a long-term deal.
Pistons need to move on from Duren, go center by committee
Duren's next contract is expected to break the bank for Detroit, with the Memphis product seeking a max extension.
After a monster regular season, averaging 19.5 points and10.5 rebounds on 65.0% shooting from field goal range, it's hard to argue the 22-year-old doesn't deserve the raise he's looking for.
At the same time, averaging 9.8 points and 8.3 rebounds through the first round makes it hard for the Pistons to justify using the majority of their available resources on a center, who's proven the lights might be too bright when the postseason comes.
Which brings us to the Celtics, who have gotten a solid contribution from Queta, who they've spent the last couple of seasons developing and preparing for the chance to be their starting center.
Behind him, the team took a swing on former Piston Luka Garza, who has become one of the best backup bigs in the league during his lone season in Beantown.
Detroit has several intriguing options in the frontcourt they could turn to, with backups Isaiah Stewart, Paul Reed coming to mind. Not to mention, several options in free agency could be enough to fill the need in the frontcourt.
All that to say, moving on from Duren may be the best decision for the organization, even if it's a hard pill for the team to swallow.
Detroit has other concerns to address
With Detroit having clear concerns to address outside of the frontcourt, putting themselves in a financially tough spot for Duren after a tough playoff showing seems like the wrong decision for a team that was dealt a harsh reality, learning they're farther off than they originally thought.
Moving on from the center would give the Pistons financial flexibility to address the massive void Detroit has been tasked with to find Cade Cunningham a running mate that can actually contribute when the playoffs arrive.
Beyond that, it's become clear that the bench unit needs some work, especially in terms of shooting and playmaking; two areas the Motor City squad lacks consistency.
The playoffs have clearly taken the team's offseason plans towards a turn for the worse, but in the long-term picture, it may be for the best.
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