Life’s looking a whole lot brighter in the Motor City - and Jalen Duren is right in the middle of it.
With the Pistons riding high atop the Eastern Conference at 23-6, Duren has emerged as a cornerstone of Detroit’s youth movement, thriving alongside Cade Cunningham in what’s quickly becoming one of the league’s most dynamic young duos. And if Monday night’s road win in Portland was any indication, Duren’s star is still rising.
When Cunningham fouled out early in the fourth quarter, the Pistons needed someone to take control. Duren answered the call in a big way, pouring in a game-high 26 points and pulling down 12 rebounds - also a game-best - to help Detroit hold off the Trail Blazers, 110-102.
The Pistons had built a 21-point lead, saw it nearly vanish, and still found a way to close it out. That’s the kind of resilience that wins games in April and May, and Duren’s fingerprints were all over it.
Now in his fourth season, the 22-year-old big man is making a serious All-Star push - and he’s doing it with a well-rounded game that’s evolved far beyond what he showed early in his career. He’s averaging 18.3 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, but the numbers only tell part of the story. His defensive presence has been a game-changer, and the strides he’s made as a ball-handler and decision-maker are turning heads across the league.
League insiders are already buzzing about Duren’s contract future. According to conversations among front-office executives, there’s growing belief that Duren is on track to land a max deal once he hits restricted free agency after this season. With the salary cap projected to rise in 2026, that could mean a five-year, $200 million contract - roughly $40 million per year - if Detroit locks him up long-term.
And make no mistake: keeping Duren in Detroit is a priority. General manager Trajan Langdon understands the value of continuity, especially when you’ve got a pick-and-roll tandem like Duren and Cunningham. Their chemistry is already among the league’s best, and their ceiling together is sky-high.
This isn’t just about one hot start or a breakout game in Portland. It’s about a young team that’s learning how to win, led by a frontcourt force who’s growing into one of the league’s most complete big men.
The Pistons aren’t just flashing potential anymore - they’re building something real. And Jalen Duren is right at the heart of it.