Magic are stealing Jalen Duren's money, but he can get it back

The Detroit Pistons didn’t extend Jalen Duren last summer, a decision they were ridiculed for after Duren blew up for his first All-Star and possibly even All-NBA season. 

For most of the regular season, we’ve talked about how the Pistons’ failure to extend Duren cost them, as he is sure to get more after having a breakout season. 

But after just one bad playoff game, we’re back to the same old narratives, namely that Duren hasn’t improved enough on defense and is not a true second option when it comes to scoring. 

Duren is going to get a big raise this summer one way or another, and that hasn’t changed, but his play in this series and beyond will determine just how much he gets, and right now, the Magic are taking money out of his pocket. 

Jalen Duren has to bounce back in game 2 

Duren only took four shots in the first game, something that has to change, as the Pistons have relied on his efficient inside scoring all season. 

The Magic were able to effectively pack the paint, caused some early turnovers, and then the Pistons went away from their big man for most of the game. Head coach JB Bickerstaff has to make adjustments to counter this defense and to find ways to get Duren the ball in his spots. 

A big game two will make everyone forget about the first game dud, and Duren can start to rebuild his resume for a max deal. 

But if he continues to get outplayed by Wendell Carter Jr., not to mention the other centers on his team (we may see BBall Paul at some point if this continues), this Orlando series could be an expensive one for Duren whether the Pistons win it or not. 

There is pressure is on Duren for the first time 

For most of his career, Duren has just caught lobs from Cade Cunningham and been asked to improve on defense, but the Pistons have come to rely on him more offensively this season, so he may be feeling pressure for the first time in his career. 

Last season in the playoffs, the narrative was all about Cade Cunningham and whether he would flourish on the big stage (he did), but after a 39-point performance in game one, that narrative is all but dead. 

The focus is now on the supporting cast, headlined by Duren, who was a non-factor in game one, something that can’t be a repeat occurrence if the Pistons want to make a deep run. 

Duren has to take these matchups personally and stop the Magic from making money disappear from his wallet. 

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