The Detroit Pistons are one of the most exciting young teams in the league. With a young core that includes guards Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, this season will be very interesting to watch.
As good as the guards appear to be, the front court shouldn’t go unnoticed. The Pistons acquiring Jalen Duren in the 2022 NBA Draft is a step in the right direction for the team as they get more athleticism and versatility at the center position.
The 6-10, 250-pound shot-blocking big man showcased his skills during the Summer League. Duren is a vertical threat who uses his physical tools (7-5 wingspan) to his advantage. During his freshman season at Memphis, Duren averaged 12 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game for the Tigers. This would lead to him winning the AAC Freshman of the Year award.
As a lob threat and rim runner, defenses will also have to key in on the rookie, who is still just 18 years old. His quickness and agility can lead to easy points for the Pistons offense as guards like Cunningham and Ivey will be able to set him up nicely.
Another aspect of Duren’s game that will be intriguing to watch this upcoming season is the development of his perimeter shot. He showcased flashes during his only season at Memphis of having a capable mid-range shot. If Duren can become even an average shooter in the league, that will be a huge bonus for the Pistons. A fitting comparison for Duren, if he’s able to accomplish this, is Miami Heat All-Star center, Bam Adebayo.
Duren and Adebayo have their similarities, especially when comparing both of them as prospects out of college. Adebayo averaged 13 points, 8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks during his freshman season as a Kentucky Wildcat.
One of the best defensive players in the league, Adebayo has been an instrumental part of building the Miami Heat as one of the top contenders in the league. Along with his defense, Adebayo is one of the best playmakers at the center position, having averaged over 5 assists twice in his five seasons so far.
Adebayo can also score the ball well, even though that isn’t his best strength. The Heat big man just came off last season averaging 19.1 points per game. He has increased his scoring production each year which shows he’s always improving.
Duren may not become the kind of playmaker or offensive player Adebayo is, but the potential is obviously there, and defensively and athletically he's already in the discussion. Duren could possibly be on the same level if not better than Adebayo on the defensive end in the future due to his physical tools.
Everything depends on what the coaches want him to prioritize for this team to succeed. Having a team with youthful offensive firepower with players like Cunningham, Ivey and Saddiq Bey, it could be easier for Duren to be more committed about doing the other important necessities to win. That would include being in command on the defensive end, rebounding well and scoring in messy ways a la Ben Wallace. Duren’s development should be fun to watch this upcoming season because his ceiling is as high as any young big in the league.
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