Pistons’ Ausar Thompson: ‘I See An All-Star’ In Jalen Duren

More than halfway through the 2025-26 regular season, Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren has drummed up a lot of support for a potential All-Star selection, and he received another hearty testimonial from Ausar Thompson after Tuesday’s 109-107 road win over the Denver Nuggets. 

After putting up 14 points (5-for-7 shooting), five steals, four rebounds and a block, Thompson took to the podium for the post-game press conference and was effusive in his praise for the man who anchors the Pistons’ down low in the paint. 

“I see an All-Star,” Thompson cheerfully said. “I see All-Star, All-NBA. I see a great guy, great player.”

At just 22-years old, Duren improved at a rapid rate over the offseason, taking his offensive game to the next level with just under 18 points per game. Duren has asserted himself as one of the most sensational high-flyers in the NBA, particularly when leaping for lob passes after peeling out of a screen at the top of the key. With Cade Cunningham throwing those lobs, JD has compiled an alley-oop-filled highlight reel that’s long enough to divide into separate acts. 

So, when Thompson was asked specifically to identify what parts of Duren’s game stand out, the third-year point forward has a laundry list of positive qualities to draw from. 

“Everything– dunking on dudes, excitement, rebounds, defense, scoring, dunking on dudes again,” Thompson laughed. “I mean, he got to have the most bodies in the league this year.”

And on the defensive side of the court, Thompson and Duren have combined to stand as the most stingy pick-stopping tandem in the league as well.

Thompson is not alone in his Jalen Duren assessment, especially when it comes to the big man’s All-Star chances. Recently, former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins openly declared that he thinks Duren is a “lock” to make his first All-Star squad this season, joining Cunningham, who’s already drilled in as a starter for the mid-year break. 

In fact, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will be coaching one of the teams during All-Star Weekend as well, so Duren has a favorable chance of making the squad through a coach’s selection as well. 

But against the Nuggets, Duren was a bit subdued in his second half performance with only 14 points and eight rebounds. JD accomplished much of that work in the first half, so the Pistons sought production from other avenues in a performance that was just a hair below JD-esque. 

Still, the fourth-year Memphis product has provided a key secondary scoring threat for Detroit all year long, and he may receive an All-Star honor as the plaudits for his hard work. 

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