Those who have questioned if Jalen Duren is a true second star for the Detroit Pistons have been getting their answer over the last few games, and it is a dramatic yes.
No one denies that Duren has had a breakout season that has already earned him an All-Star selection and possibly a spot on the All-NBA team, but there are still lingering doubts about whether he should get a max contract.
Most of this doubt revolves around the fact that he’s not a floor spacer, but Duren has shown he can dominate the game in myriad ways without shooting from distance. He’s as physically imposing a player as there is in the NBA right now, and his face up game is getting better by the night.
Last night, Duren hit a nice turnaround on the baseline out of a post up and pulled up for a free-throw line jumper when the defender backed off. He’s improved dramatically with his off hand, which has made him a better finisher around the rim, so there is still more growth for Duren yet to come.
The biggest criticism from those who don’t believe, is that Duren is mostly a lob catcher who is the product of Cade Cunningham’s gravity, but he is answering that critique in emphatic fashion right now.
Jalen Duren is getting it done without Cade Cunningham
With Cade Cunningham out, the Pistons needed someone to become the focal point of the offense. Jalen Duren has answered the call, and he’s doing it with max efficiency.
Even though teams are now focused on stopping him and trying to deny him in the paint, Duren still put up 30 points on 12 shots last night, shooting 83 percent, something he’s done more times this season than anyone in NBA history not named Wilt Chamberlain.
Duren has averaged 24 points, 12 rebounds and 2.8 assists this season in games without Cunningham, so Duren is showing he is far more than just a guy who can catch the lobs that Cade creates.
Duren’s not quite there yet, but he’s getting close to being a guy you can throw the ball to and say, “get us a bucket,” which is one of the signs of an offensive star.
Teams are crowding the paint and trying to make it tough for Duren to even touch the ball, but he’s still getting his, drawing a ton of fouls and setting up his teammates. He’s taken on a leadership role with Cunningham out that will serve the Pistons well in the playoffs when their team leader returns.
The Pistons are building confidence without Cade, and that starts with Duren, who is going to be a handful for any team to contain in the playoffs.