The Slam Dunk Contest may not feature Jalen Duren after all, but that doesn’t mean the Pistons are sitting out All-Star Weekend. In fact, Detroit will be well represented-just in a different spotlight.
The NBA made it official on Saturday: Duren won’t be flying high in the dunk contest. Instead, the high-flying big man earned something arguably more meaningful-his first career All-Star selection.
He’ll suit up as a reserve for the league’s annual midseason showcase, joining teammate Cade Cunningham, who was voted in as a starter. And if that wasn’t enough Pistons flavor, head coach J.B.
Bickerstaff will also be on the sidelines, coaching the USA Stars team that features both Cunningham and Duren.
That’s a major nod to the young core Detroit’s been building. Duren, just 20 years old, is putting up 17.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while shooting a scorching 63.0% from the field-sixth-best in the league.
He’s been a force in the paint all season, showing off a combination of power, touch, and timing that’s rare for someone his age. While a sore right knee kept him out of the Pistons’ recent win over the Knicks, his impact on both ends of the floor has been undeniable.
Cunningham, meanwhile, continues to look every bit the franchise cornerstone Detroit hoped for when they took him No. 1 overall. His All-Star starter nod is a testament not just to his individual numbers, but to the leadership and poise he brings to the floor every night.
As for Duren missing the dunk contest? That door is now open for four other young high-flyers to take center stage on All-Star Saturday: Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic), Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs), Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers), and Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat).
Richardson, in particular, brings some intrigue. The former Michigan State standout has appeared in 36 games for the Magic this season, averaging 5.1 points and 1.2 assists in limited minutes.
He’s shooting 46.9% from the field and has hit 35.5% of his 62 three-point attempts-solid efficiency for a rookie still finding his footing.
But the Pistons aren’t done making noise on All-Star Saturday. Detroit legend Richard “Rip” Hamilton will suit up for the Shooting Stars event as part of Team All-Star, teaming up with Toronto’s Scottie Barnes and OKC’s Chet Holmgren. It’s a fun throwback for Pistons fans and a reminder of the franchise’s rich history, even as the current squad carves out its own identity.
So while Duren won’t be throwing down in the dunk contest, he’ll be on a much bigger stage-sharing the court with the NBA’s elite. And for a young Pistons team still finding its way, All-Star Weekend is shaping up to be a celebration of both where they’ve been and where they’re headed.