With Jalen Duren out with a hamstring injury that could keep him sidelined for several more weeks, the Pistons have leaned on Paul Reed, and he hasn’t disappointed.
I want to make this clear, so I will use all caps: THE PISTONS NEED JALEN DUREN.
As well has Reed has played, Duren’s absence has been obvious, especially on the offensive end where they are struggling to score in the half court and could use him in the pick and roll, so those acting as if Reed’s play negates the Pistons’ need for Duren need to wise up.
But Reed has averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists per game in Duren’s absence, and it’s the way he does it that gives the Pistons a weapon that Duren doesn’t offer, which is offensive versatility.
Paul Reed is a more versatile offensive player than Jalen Duren
At this point in their careers, Duren may be the better player overall (he is), but Reed has the more versatile offensive game.
Reed can actually step away from the basket and be a threat, which is something Duren is still working on with his mid-range jumper.
Reed can step all the way out to the 3-point line, and up until the recent win over the Nets, he had not missed from long range this season.
Even after going 0-2 against Brooklyn, Reed is shooting over 70 percent from 3-point range on the season on nearly two attempts per game. He’s obviously not going to shoot 71 percent all year, but it’s a weapon for Reed that Duren does not possess at this point in his career and one that makes him more difficult to defend at times.
Duren relies heavily on his power moves, and once he gets around the rim, it’s likely going to end in a dunk. But we’ve also seen teams pack the lane, get into Duren’s chest and make that difficult, and when they do, he doesn’t have much else in the bag.
Reed is a much craftier player around the rim and very good at using his body (and the rim itself) to get his shot off even when he’s well covered.
Reed is the more versatile offensive player, but Duren offers things that Reed does not.
The Pistons miss the easy baskets and rebounds
Jalen Duren will give you at least 2-3 easy buckets per game, and there are times when the PnR lob to Duren from Cade Cunningham is their most effective play.
Duren is a high percentage and efficient scorer, and the Pistons do miss those easy ones he gets them.
They also miss his rebounding, as Detroit is in the bottom half of league in both offensive rebounds allowed and possessions, so they are giving up too many second chances, largely because Duren is not cleaning up the boards.
The Pistons have one of the best center duos in the league when they are both healthy, as both guys offer things the other does not, so Detroit needs their collective skillset to get the most out of the center position.
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