Detroit Pistons’ Center Jalen Duren Accomplishes A Feat That Hasn’t Been Achieved Since 1980

Duren now has four consecutive games with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the first to do that in a Pistons uniform since Bob McAdoo in 1980. The increased shot attempts have not hurt Duren’s efficiency either, as his field goal percentage was over 60 in three of those four outings.

Duren is not doing this against just anybody, either. Friday night’s game featured former Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who is also a solid interior defender. The Monday before, the matchup against the San Antonio Spurs featured Victor Wembanyama, who can change the entire game with his defense alone.

Duren has a solid chance of continuing his hot streak in the upcoming matchup against the Orlando Magic. The Magic rank in the bottom ten in points allowed in the paint (via TeamRankings.com), where Duren does the bulk of his damage. The former Memphis Tiger is also averaging 12.5 rebounds in the first two meetings against Orlando, which should bode well for him.

Perhaps Jalen Duren Heard The Noise

Many felt that Detroit should have made a significant move at the trade deadline, particularly for more scoring. What happened instead was the Pistons parted ways with former fifth-overall pick Jaden Ivey in a three-team trade involving the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves. Detroit received Kevin Heurter, who has basically been a bench warmer, Dario Saric (waived a week later), and a protected pick swap from the T-Wolves.

Since then, questions about whether the Pistons have enough and who will be the consistent second scoring option behind Cunningham have ramped up. Duren has answered the call so far, leading the team in points during this four-game stretch. It has not been all lobs, put-backs, and transition layups, either, as he is also taking the ball from the top of the key and creating for himself.

It would not be surprising if the noise surrounding the Pistons’ second option got back to Duren. It may be the bulletin board material that is fueling his recent stretch of play.

End Of My Jalen Duren Pistons Rant

This Pistons squad has been a great story, as they have improved drastically over the past two seasons. It is hard to believe that a team that is 44-14 headed into March only had 14 total wins two seasons ago! Despite the conversations on the outside, Detroit may have everything needed to accomplish all its goals this season. They have an MVP candidate in Cunningham, a top-five defense, and perhaps now, a legit secondary scoring threat in Duren.

Hopefully, the recent performances for Duren will carry over to the postseason. In the playoffs, you have to have another guy who can “go get his,” and take the pressure off the primary star. Cunningham looks like a superstar who can lead a team to a championship, but it takes more than one. If Duren can continue to perform at or near this level going forward, the Pistons could find themselves playing for the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June.