Jalen Duren is enjoying his best season in the NBA. Averaging around 18 points per game, 11 rebounds, while taking a big step in his defensive development. Duren has transformed into a high-impact center and has played a key role in the Pistons success. At just 22 years old, Duren is one of the better two-way centers in the league. There is little question that he should have a reserve spot on the All- Star roster.
Jalen Duren is averaging a career-high in points per game and is consistently producing double-doubles. One aspect of his game in the offensive zone is shooting 63%, which is high efficiency. He is an elite rebounder and has established himself as a dominant presence on the boards. Averaging 10.8 rebounds per game ranks him 5th in the NBA.
Duren’s interior defense has been outstanding and has impacted the Pistons play in the defensive zone. The Pistons as a team rank 2nd in defense with a 108.5 defensive rate. The defense harkens back to some of the franchise’s best teams. They are 3rd in limiting opposing teams’ shooting percentage at the rim and 3rd behind the arc, thanks in large part to Duren.
Improved ball-handling, along with improved pick-and-roll, has shown that Duren is a foundational player for the Pistons who is gaining more trust from coaches and teammates. The Eastern Conference boasts some really good big men, so an All-Star spot is not a guarantee. But with his overall play, a big developmental step, and numbers suggests that Duren should receive heavy consideration.
