The Detroit Pistons’ resurgence this season has been driven by their young core—a group determined to prove themselves after last year’s struggles. Written off following a disappointing campaign, they’ve entered the 2024-25 season on a mission to show they can develop into something special.
Cade Cunningham’s leap into All-Star status has been well-documented. Jaden Ivey was in the midst of his best season before a broken fibula sidelined him. Ausar Thompson has returned from his health scare , flashing his potential as a versatile, do-it-all contributor. But one member of this core who has faced the most scrutiny is Jalen Duren .
Since joining the Pistons , Duren has shown flashes of becoming a reliable double-double machine. Through 47 games, he’s averaging 10.7 points and 10.0 rebounds on an efficient 70.3% shooting. While those numbers are solid for his position, some believe he has yet to unlock his full potential. Inconsistency has been a key concern, and his development on the defensive end has left some fans questioning whether he’s the long-term answer at center.
However, Duren’s recent performances have started to change that narrative. Over his last five games, he has showcased his ability to impact both ends of the floor—offering a reminder of why patience is crucial when developing young players. What has clicked for Duren during this stretch, and how has it helped fuel the Pistons’ recent improvement? Let’s dive in.
How Patience With Jalen Duren Is Paying Off For Pistons
Duren Hits His Stride Anchoring the Pistons
For young players, it’s easy to get discouraged during rough stretches—especially when teammates off the bench seem to be making a bigger impact. However, development is about persistence, and pushing through adversity is crucial.
Early in the season, opposing teams exploited Duren’s defensive weaknesses. Mobile centers pulled him away from the paint, forcing him to defend in space—an area where he struggled. His foul trouble often led to Isaiah Stewart stepping in, whose defensive versatility and discipline made a noticeable difference.
Now, Duren appears to be turning a corner. He’s trusting himself more and learning to move past mistakes. January marked his most productive month yet, as he averaged 12.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. His impact was on full display in the Pistons’ 132-130 loss over the Atlanta Hawks, where he contributed with 18 points and nine rebounds. Duren’s emergence helped the Pistons secure their first winning month since March 2019, signaling their foundation is finally taking shape.
The Bickerstaff Effect
Credit J.B. Bickerstaff for sticking with Duren, even when it would have been easy to make a change. In just his first season with the Pistons, Bickerstaff’s influence is already evident, bringing a level of trust and stability that this organization hasn’t seen in years.
Through the ups and downs, Bickerstaff has remained committed to his players—and in return, they fight for him every night. Statistically, the Pistons don’t dominate in any single category. In most areas, they sit near the middle of the pack . But they succeed through effort, discipline, and playing the right way—not just by the numbers.
For Duren, this coaching approach has been exactly what he needed. Under Monty Williams, development often felt misguided, particularly for the team’s young core. With Bickerstaff, it’s a fresh start—an opportunity to mold players from a blank canvas rather than forcing them into a rigid system. There are still bumps along the way, but the foundation is being built. And for Duren, that foundation is growing stronger with each passing game.
The Last Word
Jalen Duren’s growth this season is a testament to patience, perseverance, and the right coaching environment. While his early struggles raised questions about his long-term fit, his recent performances have provided a compelling answer—he’s a key piece of this young Pistons core. With increased confidence, improved discipline, and the trust of J.B. Bickerstaff, Duren is beginning to unlock his full potential.
The Pistons’ rebuild is still a work in progress, and while the playoffs may remain an uphill battle, their recent surge suggests they are closer than their record may indicate. The team may not be a dominant force yet, but they are laying the foundation for future success. And with Duren continuing to elevate his game, the vision for this Pistons team is becoming clearer with each passing night.
Photo credit: © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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