Bill Simmons regrets Jalen Duren All-NBA decision

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren was one of the biggest success stories for the team during their phenomenal regular season campaign. He emerged as one of the best big men in the league, with his athleticism powering his defensive exploits and explosive verticality. But during the Pistons series with the Magic, he’s struggled immensely.

In the playoffs, he’s averaged 9.8 points and 8.3 rebounds, a far cry from his 19.5 points and 10.4 rebounds that he averaged in the regular season. Despite his All-Star-level campaign, Bill Simmons said he regretted his vote for Duren in his All-NBA selections.

“I really believed, I had him second team All-NBA. I wanted to write into the NBA and see if I can change my vote even though I already sent it in. He’s been so bad in these playoffs for him. For somebody that I thought was just so impactful and consistent night after night. It seems like he’s a mess.”

Despite the shrinking confidence in Duren, the Pistons’ All-Star still believes there is a chance that they can turn the tide on the series and ultimately prevail.

“It ain’t over, bro,” Duren said to The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson. “Teams have come back from down 3-1 so many times. It wouldn’t be the first time in history. We’ve got to keep it one at a time, go protect the crib and keep moving from there.”

As the Pistons hold on to a narrow lead over the Magic, perhaps Duren’s confidence isn’t irrational, and he and his teammates can turn the tide.