With the regular season winding down, the Detroit Pistons find themselves in a strong position, leading the Eastern Conference with a 51-19 record. However, the recent diagnosis of All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham with a collapsed lung has understandably raised concerns.
Despite Cunningham's absence, the Pistons have managed to keep their momentum, securing three consecutive wins, including a 115-101 triumph over the Golden State Warriors. The team is now relying even more on fourth-year center Jalen Duren, who has already elevated his game significantly this season, increasing his scoring by 7.4 points per game.
“Obviously, it’s tough Deuce going down, so everybody [is] just sticking together,” Duren remarked after their latest victory. “Next man up mentality, trying to put together some wins.”
Duren has stepped up impressively, especially highlighted by his career-high 36 points against the Washington Wizards on March 17. With Cunningham sidelined, Duren took charge, going 13-for-17 from the field, sinking 10 free throws, and grabbing 11 rebounds, leading the Pistons to a 13-point road win.
“I think even when Deuce was playing, we try to make an emphasis of keeping the ball hot, trying to get a couple passes on the possession, letting everybody touch the ball, and I think it’s been good for us,” Duren shared. “I think it’s been good for our offense, getting a lot of movement, a lot of cutting. The results have been good for us.”
With Cunningham out, Duren is determined to keep Detroit on top in the East, holding a four-game lead over the Boston Celtics with 12 games left. The road ahead isn't easy, featuring tough matchups against the Lakers, Hawks, Thunder, Timberwolves, and Raptors, so the Pistons can’t afford to relax.
Duren’s performance this season is setting the stage for his next contract. Without reaching a rookie extension earlier, he’s poised to become a restricted free agent, likely commanding a significant pay increase given his breakout year.
Currently averaging 19.2 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, Duren has showcased his growth, particularly as a ball handler and a face-up threat. His improved free-throw shooting, now 6% better, complements his aggressive play style, as he attempts nearly six foul shots per game.
While some have critiqued his defensive play, Duren is evolving into a top-tier center in the NBA and is a frontrunner for the Most Improved Player Award.
“This is months and months and years of work that I’ve been putting in, and now the world is starting to see,” Duren stated. “So, that confidence is there. I don’t feel like it’s really any bigs that can stay in front of me in the league when I’m playing at the level that I’m supposed to be playing at.”
The Pistons will likely need to invest more to retain Duren this offseason, but his development offers them a clearer vision of his potential and the heights he can achieve.