The Detroit Pistons could not have asked for more from Jalen Duren this season. Well, they could have asked him not to release one of the worst rap songs of the century, but if we all collectively pretend that doesn't exist, we will be better off. Please.
On the court, Duren has taken all the leaps JB Bickerstaff, the front office, and the fan base could ask for. It should not be overlooked just how much he's improved his offensive output. He's more than doubled his free-throw attempts (and is shooting them at an impressive 74%), his turnover rate is down considerably, his usage rate is up 5% over his previous career high, and his raw scoring output is up more than 7 points per game from last year. He's not merely improving things that players often improve as they progress in their careers; he's turned into a completely different player in year four, and it's pretty remarkable to see.
Those are borderline Most Improved Player numbers! Jalen Johnson, Deni Avdija, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will have something to say about that, but Duren's case for the award is as strong as anyone's.
In year four, any questions about Duren's role within the Pistons offense have been answered with emphasis. The days of being a great rim-runner and lob-catcher are over, and the days of being a reliable offensive weapon have begun... And Pistons fans hope they continue for years.
Jalen Duren has struck the perfect balance for Pistons
Defensively, Duren has been just fine. And that, frankly, is enough. There have been moments in his career when he's been a negative on that end; being a key component on offense and a passable defender is more than fine by Pistons fans.
If Duren can take a defensive leap as he has on the other end, that would turn him into a perennial All-Star, potential All-NBA caliber player. I don't want to say it's impossible — but I don't think anyone should hold their breath, either. The lack of shot-blocking prowess from Duren makes a leap on defense tough; if he can just be a deterrent around the rim (as he mostly has been this year) that's plenty of production, especially for a Pistons team that is elite defensively with this version of Duren.
In the meantime, fans should enjoy a pretty stunning jump in offensive output from their first-time All-Star. The presumed ceiling for Duren as an offensive weapon has already been smashed.