Jalen Duren is becoming the matchup problem no NBA team wants to deal with
Jalen Duren has started the Detroit Pistons' season with outstanding performances, quickly establishing himself as the driving force behind the team's early success. The Pistons are off to the kind of start their fans hoped for in October, and Duren’s dominant play is a major reason for it.
Over the first eight games of the 2025–26 season, Duren is averaging 17.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, maintaining great efficiency. He’s shooting 61.9% from the field and 83% from the free throw line — a 68% true shooting rate. For a 21-year-old center still refining his offensive game, these are impressive numbers.
While the sample size is still modest, Duren’s improvement feels undeniable. He looks stronger, more confident, and more dominant than at any earlier stage of his career. The statistics reflect that as well: the Pistons outscore opponents by 14 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, compared to being outscored by 7 when he’s on the bench. That +21.3 on/off difference is elite territory.
Duren’s presence is reshaping games — not just for those watching closely but also for coaches who have to design their defensive plans specifically around his impact.
Author's Summary
Jalen Duren’s early-season dominance has transformed the Detroit Pistons, making him one of the most challenging young centers for opposing NBA teams to handle.