Photo: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
There was no shortage of questions surrounding Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons heading into the season. Could the Pistons continue to build off the surprise success they achieved the season prior while bringing in some new faces? Would the inability to come to a contract extension for Duren linger over the team negatively? Could the young core continue to improve?
Thankfully for Detroit, all of these questions can be answered in a positive way. The Pistons are currently sitting atop of the Eastern Conference with a record of 25-8. Duren has improved his play on both ends of the court, positioning himself well for a lucrative contract extension this summer. Young players have shown signs of growth, while end-of-roster players like Daniss Jenkins and Javonte Green have contributed when called upon.
A large portion of the Pistons’ early-season achievements can be credited to Duren.
At Sports Info Solutions, our Video Scouts watch and track every play of every NBA game in great detail. This includes things like ‘Advantages Created*’ on the offensive end and Altered Shots (in addition to blocked shots) on the defensive end. Thus, we can find and note the improvements in Duren’s game from a statistical perspective.
Advantage creation is defined by SIS as an action from a player which results in a situation where the team can generate a high-value shot.
Offense
Offensively, Duren has honed his self creation and usage while only taking a marginal hit in his efficiency – a worthy tradeoff for a player as efficient as Duren. In Isolation and Post Ups there has been significant improvement, specifically:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Opportunities (per 100 possessions) | 3 | 6.7 |
| Advantage Created (per 100) | 1.1 | 2.9 |
| Points Per Chance* (per 101) | 1 | 1.1 |
| True Shooting Percentage** | 62% | 59% |
*Points scored per offensive opportunity that leads to a result in the same sequence
**Scoring efficiency adjusted for value of 3-pointers and free throws
Physical tools have always been a calling card for the chiseled Duren. This season he has taken pride in utilizing them a bit more.
During a recent appearance on The Zach Lowe Show, Duren stated that the Pistons coaching staff and players have frequently repeated the phrase “hand to rim” to Duren in practices and games. It is as simple as it sounds: they want Duren to get as close to the rim as possible when taking a shot.
This desire is reflected in Duren’s shot diet so far this season. Duren’s rim attempts per 100 possessions are up from 10 to 13.5, and his paint attempts more than doubled from 1.4 to 3 when compared to his 2024-25 campaign.
Here Duren leverages his strength advantage to get a good look close to the rim in a self-created setting.
Additionally, it is impossible to talk about the Pistons without mentioning Cade Cunningham, the all-NBA offensive engine for this young squad. Duren and Cunningham have become a potent duo during their time in Detroit. An off-season wilderness retreat is one of several bonding moments the pair has shared over their time as teammates. When you watch them run a pick and roll, it’s easy to see their shared synergy. Cunningham, a deft passer, and Duren, a tremendous lob target, are a match made in heaven.
Cunningham is responsible for 2.3 assists to Duren per game, per NBA.com. Several look like the clip above, a pinpoint pass at a height that only Duren can reach.
Duren’s physical tools do not end there either. NBA teams are utilizing offensive rebounding more than any season in recent history and rebounding has always been his bread and butter. He is currently in the top 15 in Contested Offensive Rebounds per 100 possessions, while placing in the top 25 in the same stat for defensive rebounds, a well-rounded combination.
Defense
On the other side of the ball, Duren is imposing his will more as well. Coming into the league at 18 years old, Duren’s body was far ahead of his feel and awareness. These aspects of his game have slowly improved, as he is more attentive to his help responsibilities.
As an off-ball and screener defender he has shown significant growth in his help capabilities, allowing .91 Points Per Chance so far this season as opposed to 1.04 the season prior.
Duren’s defense has been enhanced by his improvement as a shot contester. He is also giving up fewer advantages than seasons past.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Shots Defended (per 100) | 38 | 41.2 |
| Block + Alter Rate (per 100) | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Advantages Allowed (per 100) | 11.6 | 7.8 |
In the clip below, Duren does his job by rotating early while displaying verticality, altering a shot at the rim by the high flying Shaedon Sharpe.
Things are looking rosy in Detroit. Duren’s ascension has him firmly in the running for his first All-Star spot. The Pistons are looking like real contenders who have filled the void left at the top of the Eastern Conference. Duren and company do not appear to be out of surprises yet.