When it comes to pure physical strength, the only comparison Jalen Duren has in the NBA right now is Steven Adams.
That was the case made on a recent episode of The Hoop Collective, when the hosts talked about the leap Duren is making this season.
Duren is averaging 19.4 points and 12 rebounds per game this season to go along over two combined blocks and steals, so he’s not scoring like Adams, but I do see the comparison.
The hosts talked about how Adams is impossible to move, how he “hoovers” up rebounds and how guys “bounce off him,” which are all things you could say about Duren, who has a physical strength advantage against just about everyone he plays.
But Duren is showing he’s far more than just physical strength, and it looks like the leap we’re seeing is for real.
Jalen Duren is the perfect complement to Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren led the NBA in alley-oop dunks last season and are running away with it again in this one.
Duren is creating more gravity than ever with his rolls, which puts defenses in a tough spot. If they want to double Cade or challenge him outside the paint, they risk a thunderous dunk from Duren and Cade rarely misses with his lob passes.
As simple as it is, the Cunningham/Duren pick-and-roll is one of the most effective plays in the league, and this young tandem is up there when it comes to best duos in the NBA right now.
Duren is looking the part of the complementary star the Pistons need, and if he is going to score 20 points per game, he’ll get the payday he was looking for last summer. You can now see why he bet on himself, as Duren is playing like a top 10 center and may make his first All-Star appearance at age 22 if he keeps this up.
Fans tend to focus on what Duren doesn’t do, and no, he’s never going to stretch the floor with his shooting, but he has leaned into what he does well and has shown a more consistent motor in the early season.
Duren is near the league leaders in offensive rebounds and leads the NBA in second-chance points, and he’s making winning plays. Last night was a perfect example, as Duren grabbed an offensive board in overtime and made a slick pass to a cutting Javonte Green for an emphatic slam that put the Pistons up three.
Duren may be as strong as Adams, but he’s moving like a young Dwight Howard, and we’re watching him evolve into one of the league’s best centers.