All Pistons

Jalen Duren Has Big Aspirations for Detroit Pistons Career

Jalen Duren is ready for a big year.
Summer Weathers|
Apr 19, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts after scoring against the New York Knicks in Game One of the First Round of the NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Apr 19, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts after scoring against the New York Knicks in Game One of the First Round of the NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

In this story:

Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons have officially started training camp, and one player to look out for this upcoming season is 21-year-old Jalen Duren. This marks his fourth year in the NBA, and the 13th overall pick in the 2022 draft, put in some work this offseason.

During media day this past Monday, he talked about the state that he currently is in, focusing heavily on physical conditioning.

“The whole summer has been about keeping my body right, getting my body right in the best shape possible,” he said. “I think this is the best I’ve felt. Body fat is down, strength is up, and the whole summer is just about progressing going into year four, becoming a better basketball player, understanding the game, and becoming a bigger role for this team.”

Duren has settled into an accomplished presence on the court for the Pistons as one of the go-to guys who excels on the board and in the paint. He possesses a high IQ as a big man and has shown that passing is in his bag, too. Last season, he averaged 11.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Over the course of the last three seasons, the pick-and-roll action with Cade Cunningham has easily become one of the Pistons’ tried-and-true offensive weapons and is a direct result of their chemistry growing stronger each year.

Jalen’s Love for Detroit

Beyond the stat sheet, it's evident that Duren's loyalty to the Motor City remains the same. While answering a wide range of questions during media day, something that stood out in particular was his reflection of Detroit playing a huge part in shaping him. He spoke about his connection to the city and the fans, even putting it out there that he'd like to stay in a Pistons jersey long-term.

“Detroit has become like home," Duren said. "Plan to spend my whole career here. "

"The fans, the city, everybody has I feel like has embraced me. I'm a guy who kinda likes to move around, so, everywhere I went in the city over these last couple of years, it's always been love... it's always been love and I want to reciprocate that. I want to give everything I have to this organization, to this city and to show them that I love them back."

Looking Ahead

The first regular season game will tip-off on October 22nd, and Jalen Duren's impact throughout the season will be pivotal in their effort to pick up where they left off. He and the rest of the team are locked in, staying true to their goal of bringing a championship to Detroit. 

More Pistons On SI

J.B. Bickerstaff Eager to Maximize Pistons Addition's Versatility

Pistons' New Addition Already Buying Into Defensive Philosophy

Pistons' Jalen Duren Striving to Become Modern NBA Center

Pistons Forward Continuing to Use Playoffs as A Learning Experience

Bill Simmons Weighs in On 'Logical' Pistons Trade Target

Published
Summer Weathers
SUMMER WEATHERS

My name is Summer Weathers — I’m a follower of Jesus, committed to walking in purpose and using the gifts He’s given me to tell meaningful stories in the world of sports. I’m a graduate of Oakland University with a degree in Journalism and Broadcast Media Studies. I have always had a deep love for sports –– the energy it brings, the high competition, the stories behind the game itself, and so many other great things. I knew I wanted to turn that passion into a career. I got my start in sports media during my sophomore year at OU, when I became the sports reporter for The Oakland Post, covering all campus athletics — even the magical March Madness game when Oakland knocked out Kentucky and Jack Gohlke made 10 threes. The energy was unreal, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget as a student journalist that traveled to Pennsylvania to witness and cover it all. In 2023, I began an internship with Tunnel Vision Network, where I contributed sports articles covering the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League. During the summer of 2024, I interned at Local 4 News in Detroit, which also played a big part in my professional development where I gained hands-on experience in newsroom operations — from tracking breaking news to going out on scene assignments, conducting interviews, and writing sports features and blog posts. And now...of course, more basketball. I have been sidelining for the Detroit Pistons G League Affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. You can also catch me contributing to Woodward Sports Network live shows, where I engage in discussions and stay closely connected to the heart of Detroit’s sports scene. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention — if you ever see me prepping for interviews and getting ready for game day, there’s a very good chance I’ll have a chai latte in my hand. It’s definitely my go-to!

Home/News