Jalen Duren, Pistons
Getty
Jalen Duren was selected as an All-Star reserve, his first All-Star selection.
The reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game were announced and the Detroit Pistons will have another representative. Jalen Duren was selected as a reserve and will make his first All-Star appearance.
Duren is in his fourth NBA season has developed into a premier big man. He is currently averaging a double-double and has played a key role in the team’s success this season. The Pistons will have three representatives at the All-Star Game with Cade Cunningham, Duren, and head coach JB Bickerstaff.
NBA on ESPN
Your NBA All-Star Eastern Conference reserves 🔥
The last time Detroit had two or more players in the All-Star game was during the 2007-08 season when they had Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, and Richard Hamilton selected to the team. Duren is getting the recognition he deserves and it will be exciting to see him appear in his first All-Star Game.
Jalen Duren Making a Name For Himself
Throughout the season, Duren has certainly played at an All-Star level. He’s currently top 10 in the league in rebounding. When the reserves for the All-Star Game were being announced, Hall of Fame player Carmelo Anthony talked about the impact Duren has had on the Pistons.
“Jalen Duren deserves it though,” Anthony said. “We talk about Cade Cunningham a lot and what he brings to the Detroit Pistons team. But a lot of this is working because of the role that Jalen Duren has picked up on and he’s making everybody else better.”
“And then on the defensive end, he’s a man among boys out there on the defensive end.”
Duren is a physical player and he’s learning how to use that physicality to his advantage. Like Anthony said, he makes everyone around him better and he’s an important piece to this Pistons’ roster. Detroit is not the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference without Duren and his impact on the court.
Jalen Duren Can Play in Multiple All-Star Games During His Career
It would not be a surprise to see Duren appear in multiple All-Star Games throughout the course of his career. That’s how good of a player he is and he’s young too. As he continues to gain more and more experience during his time in the NBA, he will continue to get better and better. For the past two seasons, Duren has averaged a double-double and he can do it for the third consecutive season if he continues to keep playing like he has been.
Making an All-Star team is something not everyone can say that had a chance to do during their career. Duren can already say that he accomplished that in his fourth season. Not only has Duren dominated this season, he’s done it on a consistent basis and that’s what got him noticed around the league.
Duren has the potential to have a successful career and accomplish numerous accolades. He will be a player to keep an eye on throughout the season as the Pistons look to continue to keep their top position in the Eastern Conference. If Duren continues to have success on the court, Detroit will continue to find themselves in positions to win games.