Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart Forming Fierce Frontcourt in Detroit

Jalen Duren has stepped up as Detroit's starting center in recent weeks while Isaiah Stewart has served as one of the best bench bigs in the NBA.

Image: Carlos Osario/Associated Press

Any concerns about the Detroit Pistons’ frontcourt rotation once revolved around one man - Andre Drummond. Since Drummond’s departure in 2020, Detroit has experimented with several projects to replace the two-time All-Star. Christian Wood, Mason Plumlee, and Jahlil Okafor, among others, tried, and failed at varying degrees, to move the needle for the Pistons.

A franchise known for its tenacious big men, Detroit took a step in the right direction by drafting Isaiah Stewart in the 2020 NBA Draft. Two years later, the Pistons took a chance on a raw, but potential-filled center in 18-year-old Jalen Duren. While Duren’s decision to rock Dre’s former number was enough to warrant comparisons between the two, his player profile also lined up with Detroit’s former rim-running center.

Duren and Stewart had both struggled to find their niche with the Pistons heading into this season.

The former averaged a double-double but too often looked lost on the defensive end, resulting in even more comparisons to the inconsistent Drummond. The latter has always been recognized for his grit and determination on the defensive end, but it’s clear Stewart played out of position at the four for most of last season. But things have changed quickly after a change in leadership.

They don’t share the court very often these days, but Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart have both come into their own as forces in Detroit’s frontcourt. (Image: Raj Mehta/USA TODAY Sports)

J.B. Bickerstaff and his coaching staff have completely revitalized Detroit’s frontcourt this season, rightfully moving Beef Stew to the bench in favor of a more versatile forward who can provide consistent spacing in the starting lineup. While it may seem like a demotion, Stewart has returned to his more comfortable center position, which has led to him becoming one of the NBA’s best rim protectors.

Stewart has established himself as a versatile defensive menace throughout the Pistons’ resurgent campaign.

However, Duren took time to settle in after a slow start to the new season that had some questioning his future with the franchise. Even he acknowledged his underwhelming start to the campaign before discussing his surge in 2025.

"I think it's pretty obvious I started the season slow, on some soft sh*t ... I had to hold myself accountable and knowing how I can impact the game and do it every single night,” Duren said.

The former lottery pick has certainly held himself accountable after the calendar turned.

Duren has improved his numbers across the board compared to the first two months of the season, averaging a double-double on a strict diet of high-percentage looks since January 1st. After once being viewed as expendable, Duren has played himself into extension considerations, which he will be due for this summer.

Detroit will have some decisions to make regarding their core around Cade Cunningham.

Duren’s recent play could result in an extension worth north of $20 million annually, which would mean other roster casualties. The most obvious and controversial decision would be to move on from Jaden Ivey, whose long-term absence appears to be correlated with Duren’s breakout.

Ivey had been experiencing a breakout season himself before suffering a freak fibula injury against the Orlando Magic on New Year’s Day. His improved accuracy from deep made him a more reasonable backcourt partner for Cunningham, but the Pistons will likely have to decide between the two with Ausar Thompson’s rookie extension also looming.

Jaden Ivey could be the odd man out as the Pistons continue to win in his absence. (Image: Kelley L Cox/Imagn Images)

Isaiah Stewart’s $15 million salary remains a relative bargain for what he is currently proving, making his departure unlikely unless the Pistons receive an offer they can’t refuse. Detroit’s new frontcourt rotation has seemingly found its groove between Duren and Stew, making a long-term pairing a sensible option. Duren’s improved on-court chemistry with Cunningham also makes it seem as though he’ll be sticking around in Detroit.

Eventually, the Pistons must cash in their chips for a second star alongside Cade. That time is drawing closer, and as of now, it seems Jaden Ivey is more likely to be involved in a big-time move than the revitalized Duren.