Jalen Duren’s Breakout Sparks Hope for the Rising Pistons
Jalen Duren is quickly becoming one of the brightest young stars to watch in Detroit. The Pistons’ 20-year-old center has been turning heads with his dominant performances early in the season, proving why his name is starting to echo across the league. Despite not agreeing to a rookie-scale extension before last month’s deadline, his play has been doing all the talking — and his value is soaring fast.
In one of his most impressive games so far, Duren exploded for a career-high 33 points against the Dallas Mavericks during the Pistons’ trip to Mexico City. He went 13-for-16 from the floor, added 10 rebounds, two assists, and a block, putting together the kind of performance that defines a true franchise big man. Cade Cunningham, his backcourt partner and the team’s leader, couldn’t help but praise him afterward, calling Duren “a beast” who makes his job easier every night.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff echoed the same excitement, describing Duren’s play as pure domination. He highlighted how Duren’s ability to pressure the rim, run the floor, and control the offensive boards has made him a force inside. It’s not just numbers — it’s the way he changes the game’s tone every time he steps on the court.
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And it’s not just Duren. The Pistons as a whole are starting to show serious promise. Caris LeVert, who joined the team over the summer, is still regaining rhythm after missing most of the preseason with a hamstring injury. Though his early numbers have been modest, the coaching staff remains confident in his veteran presence and adaptability. LeVert’s willingness to fit anywhere on the court — and to lift others around him — is exactly the kind of depth Detroit needs to keep its rebuild on track.
Meanwhile, second-year wing Ausar Thompson has opened up about his journey in The Players’ Tribune , reflecting on how blood clot issues hampered his rookie season. This year, fully healthy for the first time, Thompson says he’s more driven than ever — determined to leave everything on the court each game. His mix of energy, defense, and growing offensive confidence makes him one of the team’s most intriguing pieces.
Rounding out Detroit’s impressive start, Isaiah Stewart continues to anchor the defense. He’s been one of the league’s best rim protectors, ranking among the top in blocks and opponent field-goal percentage at the rim.
The Pistons have opened the season with a solid 4-2 record, and what’s clear is that their young core is finally clicking. Duren’s rise, paired with Cunningham’s leadership and Thompson’s growth, signals that Detroit’s long rebuild may finally be turning into something real — something the Motor City can get excited about again.
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