With Jaden Ivey’s rookie extension looming , fellow 2022 first-round pick Jalen Duren is also now eligible for an extension. While Ivey’s long-term fit has sparked some debate, Duren’s future with the Detroit Pistons comes with questions of its own.
In 78 games this season, Duren averaged a double-double with 11.8 points and 10.3 rebounds, shooting a career-best 69.2% from the field, one of the highest marks among NBA centers. He also flashed promising signs as a playmaker (2.7 assists per game) and a rim protector (1.1 blocks). Duren has the physical tools and production to be a core piece moving forward.
That said, concerns remain. His night-to-night consistency has been uneven, and he’s struggled at times when matched up with elite big men. These question marks raise a bigger issue for the Pistons heading into the offseason: do they need to bolster their center depth, or could they begin exploring options for a new starting center altogether?
Jalen Duren’s Future Might Not Be A Guarantee
Raw Tools, Real Potential
At 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds, Duren has the physical profile to become one of the league’s premier centers. Still just 21 years old, he remains one of the younger players in the NBA — a factor that bodes well for his continued development as he gains more experience and refines his feel for the game.
Duren already possesses several standout traits. He’s a powerful finisher around the rim, capable of throwing down lobs thrown by Cade Cunningham and cleaning up second-chance points with authority. His athleticism fuels highlight plays on both ends of the floor, and he’s a force on the glass.
Still, there’s plenty of room for growth. Offensively, developing a reliable 15-20 foot jumper — and eventually expanding to the three-point line — would help open up the floor for the Pistons’ offense. On the defensive end, improved footwork and situational awareness will be crucial for Duren to avoid foul trouble and hold his own against more polished post scorers. With the proper development, he can be more than a physical force — he could become a true two-way star.
Veteran Target Could Threaten Jalen Duren’s Role Extension Talks
One name that has surfaced in recent free agency rumors is Pacers center Myles Turner . A career 36.2% shooter from beyond the arc and a two-time league leader in blocks per game (2.2 career average), Turner offers a rare blend of rim protection and floor spacing — qualities the Pistons currently lack at the five.
If the Pistons were to pursue Turner seriously, it would have significant implications for Duren. Turner’s arrival would potentially make him expendable in a larger roster overhaul. That move would mark a shift from building around young talent to relying on more experienced veterans.
While it’s unclear whether the Pistons are seriously considering such a drastic move, even the possibility underscores what’s at stake for Duren. If he wants to cement his place in the Pistons’ long-term plans, he’ll need to continue proving that he’s not just a high-upside project, but a cornerstone worth building around.
Photo credit: © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Last Word
Jalen Duren’s potential contract extension represents both opportunity and challenge for the Detroit Pistons. His physical attributes indicate significant long-term potential at the center position. However, potential alone does not guarantee a sustained role in the organization’s future. The front office faces critical decisions this offseason.
Leadership must determine whether to commit to Duren’s development or explore alternative options. Trade speculation, roster construction, and organizational direction will heavily influence this choice. Duren’s status could range from receiving an extension to facing competition or becoming part of a larger trade. This offseason will shape Duren’s career and could significantly shift the Pistons’ overall rebuild timeline. Both parties are under pressure to demonstrate that their partnership is mutually beneficial.
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