Jalen Duren's Resurgence Key to Pistons Winning Ways
As the Detroit Pistons continue to win games, Jalen Duren's play has continued to improve night over night.
The offseason ahead is a significant one for the Detroit Pistons.
While the roster may change ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline on Thursday, it’s very likely that Jalen Duren will be a member of the Pistons beyond this week. Duren, just 21-years-old, has been a building block of the franchise.
A franchise whose fortunes finally seem to be changing.
He, along with fellow third-year player Jaden Ivey, are both eligible to sign contract extensions this summer. A renewed long-term commitment to both of these young players could cost Detroit well over $100 million.
This magnitude of decision-making is not, and should not, be taken lightly.
Earlier in the season, it may have seemed unlikely that the Pistons would want to be in the Jalen Duren business beyond his current contract. But the 2024 portion of the season was a difficult one for Duren. Through the first 29 games, he averaged just 9.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game while recording 67 assists in that span, but also 57 turnovers.
Due to constant foul trouble most nights, he was limited to just 23 minutes per game in November. In December, just 26.7. Last season, Duren played an average of 29.1 minutes per game. Things were trending in the wrong direction.
Then, 2025 came around.
Duren became a different player in January. Over 16 games, he averaged 12.3 points and 11.4 rebounds. His field goal percentage increased. He shot 77% from the free throw line — up from 50% in October, 60% in November, and 68% in December. Across the board, all of Duren’s numbers improved.
The Pistons went 10-6 in January, by far the best month of the season for the team. The two’s success is directly correlated.
“There’s just a determination in the way that he’s playing,” said J.B. Bickerstaff before the Pistons’ loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. “The job that he does is not easy.”
Duren recorded 18 points on 8-10 shooting along with nine rebounds, two blocks, and an assist versus Atlanta. In a two-point loss — courtesy of a Trae Young game-winner — Duren was a plus-7 in just under 29 minutes.
The day before, he played a pivotal role in Detroit’s win over the Chicago Bulls, finishing with 21 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and a steal in 30 minutes. He missed only two shots.
Bickerstaff’s trust in Duren has remained steadfast throughout the course of the season. In the early months of the year, some called for Isaiah Stewart to usurp Duren in the starting lineup, or for Duren to lose some of his minutes to third-string center, Paul Reed.
But Duren’s significant role has remained all season long, and the Pistons are now reaping the rewards of being patient.
“There’s a spirit and an understanding of where he fits and how important his role is to the team,” Bickerstaff continued. “He understands his value and his worth to making this a good team and he’s bought into going out and doing it every night.”
Duren is eligible to sign a contract extension in the offseason, but could wait until the following summer to enter restricted free agency. If Duren’s strong play continues, it is more likely that a long-term deal could be completed.
The Pistons are noticing the renewed impact Duren is having on the team, and it comes at a very opportune time. For both sides.