The Detroit Pistons are no longer the league’s perennial rebuild project-they’re a force. And at the heart of their rise is 22-year-old center Jalen Duren, who’s playing like someone who’s not just knocking on the All-Star door, but kicking it wide open.
Duren’s ascent is one of the biggest reasons Detroit sits atop the Eastern Conference standings at 33-11. That’s not a typo.
The Pistons, once mired in historic losing streaks, are now leading the East. And Duren’s transformation from raw athletic prospect to two-way anchor is a huge part of that story.
Back in the 2022 NBA Draft, then-GM Troy Weaver had a vision: pair Cade Cunningham, the Pistons’ franchise point guard, with a high-flying, rim-running big who could grow alongside him. That vision led to a bold trade-up for Duren, a powerful 6-foot-10 center out of Memphis.
Fast forward to now, and that gamble is paying off in a big way. Duren isn’t just catching lobs anymore-he’s evolving into one of the most complete young bigs in the league.
Let’s talk numbers first. Duren is averaging a career-high 17.8 points per game, but what’s really impressive is how he’s getting those points.
He’s still a menace in the pick-and-roll, still finishing lobs with authority. But now, he’s putting the ball on the deck, attacking defenders off the dribble, and even flashing a mid-range jumper that wasn’t in the bag a year ago.
He’s not just reacting-he’s initiating. That’s growth.
And then there’s the double-doubles. Duren’s already racked up 20 this season, continuing a trend that’s made him one of the most reliable interior presences in the league.
It’s not just about the volume, either-it’s about consistency. Night in, night out, he’s producing.
But Duren’s game isn’t just about offense. In fact, his biggest leap might be on the defensive end.
Detroit currently ranks second in the NBA in defensive efficiency, and Duren has been a key driver of that. His defensive rating of 107.1 is the best of his career, and it’s not just a stat-it’s a reflection of his improved discipline, timing, and awareness.
Last season, Duren struggled with foul trouble, often picking up cheap ones that kept him off the floor. This year, he’s cleaned that up.
He’s holding his ground in the paint, contesting shots without overcommitting, and even switching out onto perimeter bigs with more confidence. His rim protection has taken a step forward, and so has his ability to anchor the defense without being a liability in space.
Of course, it helps that Detroit’s defense is deeper and more cohesive than it’s been in years. With Isaiah Stewart stepping into the starting lineup due to injuries to Tobias Harris, and versatile defenders like Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and JaVonte Green contributing, the Pistons have built a defensive unit that complements Duren’s strengths. And with Cade Cunningham leading on both ends, the Pistons are finally playing like a team with a clear identity-and it starts with defense.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff deserves plenty of credit here.
He’s empowered Duren to expand his game, not just as a scorer and defender, but as a playmaker. Yes, a playmaker.
Duren has shown flashes of being able to bring the ball up the floor, initiate offense, and find teammates out of the high post. It’s rare to see a center with that kind of freedom, but Bickerstaff has trusted him with it-and Duren is delivering.
“When we got here and watched some film, you could see what he was capable of,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s an elite passer when we put the ball in his hands.
He understands when to attack and when to make the right read. The confidence in him being aggressive has changed, and it’s paying off.”
Around the league, the buzz is growing. Coaches, players, and media alike are recognizing Duren’s impact-not just statistically, but in terms of how he’s helping the Pistons win games. And with the All-Star reserves set to be announced on February 1, Duren is making a strong case to join Cunningham and Bickerstaff in Los Angeles.
In a crowded field of Eastern Conference big men, Duren’s candidacy holds weight. His numbers are right in line with Miami’s Bam Adebayo.
New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns is having a down year, and the Knicks haven’t matched last season’s success. Joel Embiid is still a dominant force, but his availability has been inconsistent, and under the new All-Star format, he’s more likely to suit up for Team World.
Meanwhile, Duren has been durable, productive, and instrumental to the Pistons’ turnaround. That matters.
Detroit’s recent history hasn’t exactly been award-friendly. Cade Cunningham finished third in Rookie of the Year voting back in 2021, largely because the team won just 23 games.
Bickerstaff missed out on Coach of the Year honors last season despite a strong campaign, edged out by Kenny Atkinson’s Cavaliers. But this year feels different.
The Pistons are winning, and with that success comes recognition.
Duren’s All-Star case isn’t just about stats-it’s about impact. He’s a 22-year-old center who’s helping lead a franchise revival, anchoring one of the league’s best defenses, and expanding his game in real time. If that’s not All-Star material, what is?
The Pistons are finally getting their flowers-and Jalen Duren deserves a bouquet of his own.