The word, "Dominance," is perhaps the most divisive one can muster in basketball conversations. The thin line between greatness and true dominance is thin, as it's less about who can step up when the lights are shining and who truly operates as an unstoppable force teams simply have no answer for.
It's perhaps too soon to truly hand Jalen Duren the title of a dominant player, but he's giving the Detroit Pistons the opportunity for interior control that only teams with MVPs typically have.
It's an admittedly subjective stance, but the list of active players who truly dominate the interior is short. It isn't about statistics or on-off metrics, but instead the ability to get the ball and do whatever they want with it no matter who's around them—typically, although not exclusively, due to their ability to physically overwhelm opponents at every turn.
A strong case can be made that the only three big men who check that box at the moment are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokic.
Considering all three of those players have won at least one MVP award, that's a fascinating thought to consider. Duren is by no means in their realm at the moment, as he still needs to establish the consistency and dependability down the stretch that the others have achieved.
The fact that he's 22 years of age and already physically dominating the interior whenever he plays with an assertive mentality, however, speaks volumes about his superstar potential.
Jalen Duren has the tools to be dominant—a trait found only in MVPs
Before moving forward, it must be acknowledged: Yes, Victor Wembanyama is the asterisk. With his size and skill set, he has all of the tools to be the epitome of dominance with his ability to do just about anything he wants with no answer for him.
Considering most agree that Wembanyama is on his way to an award-heavy career, however, the point stands and the praise for Duren persists.
Duren isn't just playing well for the Pistons, but imposing his will along the interior in a way that opposing teams have no answer for. He's dominating the offensive glass, powering through contact for contested finishes, and overwhelming opponents with his muscular 250-pound frame.
Duren has seemingly flipped a switch since the calendar turned over to November with averages of 24.3 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 4.7 offensive boards on 72.2 percent shooting from the field.
Duren has scored at least 30 points in three of his seven appearances in November. He's managed at least 20 points in five of seven, and finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, seven offensive boards, three assists, and two steals in one of the two exceptions.
Duren also posted 22 points and 22 rebounds against the Utah Jazz, and had 21 points and 16 rebounds against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jalen Duren is physically dominating opponents at just 22 years of age
Beyond the numbers, Duren has established himself as a matchup nightmare for the other centers in the NBA. He isn't just tall and muscular, but willing to throw his weight around down low and utilize his skill to create efficient scoring opportunities.
Pistons teammate Isaiah Stewart acknowledged as much after Duren posted 31 points and 16 rebounds in just 29 minutes against the Indiana Pacers, shooting 12-of-13 from the field.
"Nobody wants to stand in front of his big body...I'm excited for the future for him just because the more years he gets, the game will continue to slow down."
It's difficult to argue with Stewart and his assessment of how opponents are reacting to playing Duren. Duren is No. 2 in the NBA behind Antetokounmpo with 41 dunks in 12 appearances, and among players who are averaging at least 20.0 minutes per game, ranks No. 4 in offensive rebounding percentage and No. 8 in defensive rebounding percentage.
Those numbers aren't being accumulated by skill alone, but through the physicality that has become the trademark of Duren's game.
Duren has been accused of being too passive in the past, which he seems to have taken to heart. He's putting his shoulder into opponents' chests, boxing out with power and precision, and trusting his instincts when the ball comes his way.
As Duren continues to realize just how capable he is of doing anything he wants down low, the Pistons' rise to contender status will be fueled by a presence achieving the rare feat of dominance.