Jalen Duren is a future star
Cade Cunningham isn’t the only young player who has been impressive to start the year. The Pistons’ center Jalen Duren has also played out of his mind
It’s important to not overreact to just three games because that is an extremely small sample size. However, it’s impossible to ignore that Jalen Duren has been playing out of his mind and looks like a star despite being just 20 years old.
He is currently averaging around 18 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks per game while shooting 80% from the field. This is a small sample size of course, but he has been way more productive this year than he was as a rookie. Last season he averaged fewer points, rebounds, assists, and blocks per game and shot worse from the field while playing fewer minutes. He has a bigger role now and he is taking advantage of his increased playing time, dominating his opponents as a rim runner, rebounder, shot blocker, and passer.
While his numbers have been unreal this season, there are a few areas in which he could improve. First, he is extremely turnover-prone. His turnover rate of 23% this season is extremely high, especially considering that Duren isn’t a high-volume playmaker. He’s a good passer for a big, but he doesn’t generate assists at a high enough rate to excuse his turnovers.
Duren also hasn’t shown that he can space the floor in the NBA. He has attempted just two three-pointers since entering the NBA a year ago and he doesn’t shoot a lot of mid-range shots. He showed flashes of being able to hit mid-range jumpers at Memphis, but this skill hasn’t translated to the next level, at least not yet. If he develops a jumper, Duren could be a special offensive player at some point.
Overall, Jalen Duren is developing into a fantastic big man who protects the rim at a high level, throws down lobs as a roll man, and makes quick, smart decisions as a passer. There’s a chance that his production regresses and he doesn’t continue to perform at this level. However, if his improvements are real, we could be looking at one of the best centers in the league someday.