What can we expect from the Pistons this season? Coty M. Davis of The Detroit News provides a player-by-player analysis leading into the start of training camp. Next in the series: Jalen Duren

Last season

Jalen Duren left Wells Fargo Center celebrating a team win. The Detroit Pistons avoided a 0-5 start to the 2024-25 season with a 105-95 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 30. But through the celebration, Duren felt frustration on an individual level.

Duren had fouled out. He played 10 scoreless minutes against Philadelphia. After picking up his sixth personal foul early in the fourth quarter, Duren had a dejected expression on his face while walking back to the team bench.

Duren’s poor performance against the 76ers was indicative of the subpar start he had to the year. During the first quarter of the season, Duren struggled to adjust to J.B. Bickerstaff’s coaching philosophies. At times, his hardships led fans to want Isaiah Stewart to take over as the Pistons’ starting center.

Bickerstaff continued to have confidence in Duren despite his struggles. During the second half of the season, Duren was one of the most productive centers in the league. With 28 double-doubles, he averaged 14.0 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks through the final 41 games of the regular season.

Duren reached his peak during the Pistons’ 117-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors on April 4. In that game, he led the short-handed Pistons with 21 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, four blocks and a steal. The game showed a glimpse of Duren’s full potential.

In the first 41 games, he averaged 10.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks.

2025-26 outlook

If Duren can continue his momentum from last season, the 2025-26 campaign could be a breakout year, potentially leading to an All-Star selection come February. Only Ivica Zubac (34) and Nikola Jokić (31) recorded more double-doubles at center than Duren during the final 41 games of the regular season. He also ranked eighth at his position in rebounding.

Duren possesses all the necessary tools to continue establishing himself as one of the league’s best big men. There is still room for Duren to improve defensively. However, he can further distinguish himself from his peers at the position by the Pistons utilizing his playmaking attributes more.

His ability to keep the Pistons’ offense flowing with his passing became one of the central features that helped Detroit become the first team in league history to triple its win total. Duren had 15 games of five or more assists.

In February, during the Pistons’ impressive eight-game winning streak, Duren averaged 4.8 assists. A standout performance to showcase his playmaking skills as a big man occurred in Detroit’s 125-112 victory over the 76ers on Feb. 7, when he recorded a career-high seven assists.

An ascension to All-Star status is crucial for the Pistons’ success next season. It would also be an ideal way for Duren to secure his place with the franchise, as he will be a restricted free agent after this season if he is not extended.

“J.D. is an all-around talent,” Bickerstaff says. “I think it’s one of those things that goes unsaid about him is his ability to pass the ball and play-make. We’ve seen him in situations push the ball the length of the court and make the right read, whether it’s a pass or a finish. We’ve seen him hit cutters and tight spaces. He’s a very good all-around basketball player.”