Jalen Duren missed the Detroit Pistons’ first two preseason games with a minor hamstring injury, and it has yet to be announced whether he will play tonight against the Cavaliers.
It’s not a concern until it is, as teams often hold out players with minor injuries in the preseason to avoid them becoming more than minor, and I am sure that is the case with Duren.
The Pistons were largely able to avoid the injury bug last season, which is increasingly one of the keys to competing, as you can’t win if your best players are not on the floor. Detroit did lose Jaden Ivey for most of the season, but other than that, had a relatively good run of health.
Big man depth is a concern for Detroit, as they don’t have a real backup power forward behind Tobias Harris, and they would be in trouble if one of their centers were to go down for an extended period of time.
But they are better equipped than past years because of Paul Reed, who the Pistons smartly brought back on a deal that could end up being extremely valuable if he is thrust into action.
Paul Reed is a very good 3rd center
Reed was the starter for Philly at times before coming to Detroit, put into that role because of the constant injuries to Joel Embiid.
He’s been playing big minutes in the preseason so far and showed why the Pistons are comfortable having him on the bench. He’s averaged seven points, nine rebounds, two assists and 1.5 blocks per game in 18 mpg of preseason action.
Reed makes immediate impact when he steps on the floor as an agent of chaos who gets his hands on the ball, blocks shots and occasionally makes slick passes. He’s not the offensive threat Duren is, nor is he as good a defender as Stewart, but he brings a little of everything and always with intensity and hustle.
Reed is a nice security blanket for JB Bickerstaff, who can pepper him into the rotation at times to get his other guys rest without worrying too much, as Reed has shown he can hold his own, a great option to have in case of emergency or just to use to spell the regulars.
Obviously, we are all hoping Jalen Duren is fine and will be back in the starting lineup soon, but the Pistons have a solid 3rd option in BBall Paul, one who fits their culture and can step in as needed.