The Detroit Pistons are hoping a second star emerges from their young roster, and so far this season, Jalen Duren is making a strong case to be that guy.
We are watching Duren make a leap offensively, even though he’s still not doing some of the things now demanded of a modern center. He hasn’t added a jumper to his game, and though his post game is improving, it’s hardly a go-to play for the Pistons, who prefer him operating as a lob threat in the pick-and-roll or from the elbow as a passer.
He’s gradually adding dribble penetration to his game as well, so the sky is still the limit for the 21-year-old as an offensive prospect.
This season he has raised his scoring average and has looked like a guy the Pistons should use more often, but he’s also getting it done in ways that may not be as obvious as an 18-foot jumper.
Jalen Duren making his money at the free-throw line and on the offensive glass
Instead of trying to add a ton of new elements to his game, Duren has leaned into what he was already good at, which is rebounding.
Duren is averaging a career high 4.5 offensive rebounds per game, and when he gets them, he knows what to do, as Duren’s 5.8 second-chance points per game are currently tops in the NBA.
When Duren sees an open lane created by Cade Cunningham, he is attacking it aggressively and looking for the ball on the lob or off a missed shot. The Pistons’ offensive rebounding, led by Duren and Ausar Thompson has quietly been their saving grace, as the Pistons haven’t been shooting the ball well.
Duren is also getting to the line 6.5 times per game, more than double his career average, and he is back to making them at a high clip, hitting 85 percent so far this season.
Keep in mind, this includes two games in which Duren barely played, so when he’s been out there, he’s drawing a ton of fouls.
Duren is slowly adding to his offensive bag, and this is a great sign, as the Pistons are 7-0 going back to last season when he scores 20+ points, but for now, it’s his offensive rebounding that is keeping the Pistons’ offense afloat during a bumpy start.
Jalen Duren is certainly making his case to get paid next summer as a restricted free agent, and he’s done it while staying in his lane.