Detroit Pistons: Bickerstaff Applauds Jalen Duren’s Aggressive Preseason Debut

With All-Star center Jalen Duren back in the lineup, the Detroit Pistons were finally back at full strength just in time to punish the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 128-106 preseason victory on Wednesday night. 

Playing on the road for the first time in the exhibition slate, Duren looked like he never missed a beat all offseason with a powerful, skillful and emphatic 24-point performance in the win. Duren was responsible for Detroit’s first two baskets on the night, and the All-NBA Third-Teamer followed that up with a deft transition lob to Ausar Thompson on the very next possession. 

At times, Duren handled the ball in the open court like a crafty guard, and at other times he assaulted the rim with the strength and explosion that he’s become known for in the paint. Staying true to his efficient self, Duren posted an 8-for-9 effort from the field with a perfect 8-for-8 mark at the charity stripe against the T-Wolves to help the Pistons improve to 2-1 in the preseason in what was an all-around dominant debut. 

”I thought he was aggressive,” Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of Duren after the game. “He looked really fast and quick. He was attacking, playing free on both sides of the floor. I thought he did a great job setting the tone for us. Again, it’s his first go at it, but it’s just going to continue to get better.”

For the first time, the Pistons had an opportunity to see JD in the starting lineup that they’re looking to take into the regular season with Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson and John Collins rounding out that initial five. Together, that group looked comfortable in offensive sets that Detroit never tried last season, such as when Collins and Duren were involved in a screen action together, which underscores a dynamic frontcourt element that Bickerstaff is looking to foster this year. 

While Tobias Harris was a solid wingman and trusty mid-range threat, Collins offers a more versatile inside-out game for Cunningham to take advantage of. Against Minnesota, Collins had another double-digit effort with 11 points (4-for-5) and three rebounds, while Cunningham racked up nine assists in just 25 minutes of on-court action. 

As a three-man group, the combination of Cunningham, Duren and Collins have a big opportunity to cause havoc for opposing defenses this season, and they offered a brief preview against the Wolves. In the first quarter, Cunningham accepted a screen from JD near the wing before the All-Star center rolled inward towards the bucket. At the same time, Collins darted into the picture from the corner to offer Cunningham another play-finishing option for a wrinkle that Detroit simply didn’t have in their arsenal last season. 

Those are the type of niche details that will give the Pistons more versatility as an offensive unit this season with Duren in the lineup. His season debut couldn’t have been any stronger, so now only one more exhibition game stands between the big man and the regular season. 

Looking ahead, the Pistons have their preseason finale at home against the Toronto Raptors on Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 pm.