NEW YORK — Jalen Duren entered the offseason with a clear directive that can be summed up in one word: more. More touches. More aggression. More confidence.
The fourth-year center had multiple conversations with coach J. B. Bickerstaff about expectations following a strong finish to the 2024-25 season. He took those conversations to heart. Along with the development of his skills, this mindset has established him as one of the league’s top centers this season.
Through nine games, the 21-year-old is averaging 19.2 points—crushing his previous career-high of 11.8 points—along with 11.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. He and Cade Cunningham have led the way for the Detroit Pistons through their impressive 7-2 start to the season, with Duren embracing more responsibility and thriving in his role.
**Friday’s Action:**
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren combined to help the Pistons double up the Brooklyn Nets in a 125-107 victory.
“We put together a plan over the summer for him, and he was as dedicated to that plan as anybody,” Bickerstaff said Friday, Nov. 7, after the win against the Nets. “He worked relentlessly on his game. He’s always had the talent. I think the confidence is coming now, too, so he can see what he can do against other guys. You can see how much more aggressive he is offensively with the ball in his hands.”
“I think last year it was a lot of him getting set up. We wanted him to attack more. We want him to create for himself more, put more pressure on the defense. I think he’s done that. It all comes down to the work that he’s put in.”
Duren has supported his usual highlight-reel alley-oop dunks and putbacks with a finesse he lacked in previous seasons. He’s been taking opposing centers off the dribble with his improved handle, putting his back to the basket to deliver polished jump hooks, and has even knocked down a few jumpers through nine games.
Alongside Isaiah Stewart, Duren has helped anchor the league’s top rim defense, showing improved technique and instincts compared to last season.
Friday marked his fifth double-double in nine games, his fifth game with at least 20 points, and his second game scoring 30 or more.
He has put together a string of dominant performances, including:
– 30 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals against the Nets
– 22 points and 22 rebounds at home versus the Utah Jazz on Wednesday
– 33 points and 10 rebounds against the Dallas Mavericks in Mexico City last Saturday
– 21 points and 13 rebounds against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 29
Additionally, Duren has increased his free throw accuracy, knocking down 85.5% of his attempts so far, as opposing teams have struggled to keep him out of the paint.
“I’ve had conversations with J.B., multiple conversations coming into the summer about how he’s seen me work on my game all summer and wants me to continue to be aggressive and show what I’ve been working on,” Duren said Wednesday. “With that came a lot of confidence. My teammates too, telling me to keep attacking bigs and whoever opposing teams decide to put on me. I was just trying to do what they ask me to do.”
Duren’s pick-and-roll chemistry with Cade Cunningham has become the centerpiece of the Pistons’ offensive attack. He has slammed down 18 alley-oops so far, learning how to serve as a reliable outlet when teams put multiple defenders on the All-NBA guard.
Duren’s presence has been a major boost for Cunningham, who is also in the midst of a dominant stretch. Cunningham scored a season-high 34 points against the Nets, marking his third straight game with at least 30 points. He has dished out 19 assists to Duren so far, as the big man remains his favorite target.
“He’s dominant,” Cunningham said Friday. “He’s not waiting. He’s attacking every game. Really can’t say enough about how he’s approached the game lately, and he has all the ability in the world to do what he’s been doing. It’s exciting.”
Among all centers, Duren ranks fifth in rebounds per game and 11th in points. Of centers averaging at least 15 points per game, Duren’s field goal percentage (64.3%) is second-highest.
It’s a contract year for Duren, who did not reach an extension agreement with the Pistons before the season. Next summer, he will enter restricted free agency and could attract a strong market if his play continues at this level.
His fit with the Pistons and chemistry with Cunningham are key reasons the team is off to its best start in nearly two decades, matching a 7-2 start last seen in 2008-09.
“It is not easy, but I love my job,” Duren said Wednesday. “I’m all for the physicality—I’m banging all night with opposing bigs. I’m on the glass, so they’re sending guys at me. I’m getting tagged, I’m getting elbowed coming through the lane on my rolls. And obviously Cade is who he is, so the way guys guard him, they guard him very aggressively.”
“When people try to run through my screens, it doesn’t feel good. I try to do my job, man. I know everybody’s job is hard in its own way, so it’s no complaining or anything. I love what I do and I love playing with the guys I play with.”
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https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2025/11/08/jalen-duren-detroit-pistons-attacking-every-game/87162233007/
