Jalen Duren Expands Offensive Game Ahead of Pistons Season

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is preparing to build on his breakout 2025-26 campaign as the team begins the 2026-27 NBA season against the Boston Celtics at home on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The 22-year-old center has expanded his ball-handling and midrange shooting, while coach J.B. Bickerstaff has indicated that three-point attempts could become part of his offense if he demonstrates sufficient accuracy.

Duren showcased his development during Detroit's preseason victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 14, scoring 24 points on 8-for-9 shooting in just 15 minutes. According to NBA.com, the Pistons won 128-106, with Duren scoring Detroit's first four points before setting up Ausar Thompson for a lob.

One of Duren's nine field-goal attempts came from beyond the three-point arc. Although he missed, the shot highlighted a potential new dimension for a player who had attempted only six three-pointers during his first four NBA seasons, making none. He had not attempted one in either of the two seasons since Bickerstaff became Detroit's coach in 2024.

Duren's preseason performance followed a summer of prolonged contract negotiations. He missed the first three days of training camp, signed a five-year, $200 million extension on Oct. 1, and subsequently sat out Detroit's first two preseason games before returning against Minnesota.

During his debut, Duren repeatedly exploited mismatches against Rudy Gobert, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year. He used a baseline jumper and dribble drives to attack the seven-foot-one center away from the basket, demonstrating how improved ball control and mobility could complement his strength near the rim.

Bickerstaff highlighted Duren's speed and ability to recognize favorable matchups when discussing his development on Oct. 19.

"He's fast, and this year he seems to be even faster than he was last year. So he knows where his advantages are versus which opponent. If he has a smaller guy, he's strong enough to beat him up in small space.

You have a bigger guy with slower feet, he can pull him away from the basket, attack and use his speed. I think he's got a good understanding of that, and it's only going to get better."

The coach also explained that expanding Duren's shooting range depends on his ability to convert those opportunities. Detroit wants the center to threaten defenses at multiple levels as opponents adjust their coverage of pick-and-roll plays involving guard Cade Cunningham.

"You've gotta make shots. When you carry the weight that he carries on this team, to be able to be on the offensive end of the floor is you've gotta be at three levels. And how defenses are going to guard you, there's going to be different opportunities on different nights and you have to be able to take advantage of them."

Duren said his preseason showing reflected skills he had already been developing rather than an entirely new approach. He also emphasized that improving across the court remains a priority as he enters his fifth NBA season.

"It's something I've been doing. I did a lot of it last year. I think there's more attention on me now, so people are starting to see those different sides, but I've always worked on it.

It's always been something that I've had, but I'm trying to get better – trying to polish my game and trying to polish all aspects on both ends of the floor. I've still got a long way to go and a lot of room to grow. I'm excited for the journey."

Duren's statistical production last season established him among the league's most efficient scorers. According to Free Press reporting, he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65% from the field, earning a place on the All-NBA Third Team after being selected 13th overall in the 2022 draft.

He also developed a more varied scoring profile, taking just over one-quarter of his shots from short midrange, between 4 and 14 feet, and converting those attempts at a 50% rate, according to Cleaning the Glass. His ability to score against both smaller defenders and slower centers helped diversify Detroit's half-court offense.

Questions remain about how Duren will respond after a disappointing playoff performance, which The Ringer identified as a key consideration entering the new season. His contract negotiations also drew attention during the offseason, although his new extension secured his future with Detroit for five additional years.

The Pistons enter the season seeking to build on their previous campaign, while Duren faces expectations to sustain his scoring efficiency, continue improving defensively, and potentially extend his shooting range. His preseason debut offered an early indication of how Detroit may use him beyond the paint.