Pistons’ Dwane Casey discusses Jalen Duren as a lob threat
With tremendous size and athleticism, Jalen Duren has emerged as a great lob threat for the Detroit Pistons and the team is looking to take advantage of that ability this season.
Duren, at 6 feet, 11 inches and 250 pounds, is regarded as one of the most athletic big men in the NBA. He emerged as a force in the paint last season as a freshman at Memphis on both sides of the ball, and was often unstoppable as a result.
Though Duren skipped the on-court measurements at the draft combine in May, the eventual 13th pick recorded a 7-foot-5 wingspan and a 37-inch vertical jump in October 2021 at Memphis.
Those attributes have been on display with the Pistons.
Duren added another lob to the highlight reel on Tuesday in a win over the Miami Heat. He connected from near halfcourt on a beautiful look from Alec Burks that got a rousing ovation from the bench in the first half of the 116-96 win.
🚨WARNING: Jalen Duren lob below🚨@AlecBurks10 ➡️ @JalenDuren pic.twitter.com/iQBd7L3THU
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) December 7, 2022
The play encapsulated what Duren does on a nightly basis. He has a seemingly endless motor, and powered his way down the court past nearly every Heat defender. He kept his eye on the ball and that led to the finish at the rim.
Pistons coach Dwane Casey explained how the team sets up its lob plays.
That time he really outran everybody and got down on the floor. We have some sets that (the decision is) up to the passer. I think the bigs will roll a bit harder and get out quicker of the screens to get some of the lobs because (Bojan) Bogdanovic and (Alec) are drawing so much attention. (So) that lob guy, the screener rolling to the basket, getting out of there quickly will be open. Then, if you run the floor, over the top is gonna be open. I thought that was a great play by (Alec) and (Jalen).
GET UP JALEN DUREN! pic.twitter.com/Oh3hxC9tBA
— Rip Haminkton (@RedAlternates) December 2, 2022
With a dominating game inside the paint, Duren is working to diversify his scoring output. He is dropping in mid-range shots and some turnaround jumpers more frequently, a sign that he is working to evolve as an offensive player.
The team will certainly continue to rely on his strengths as a lob threat, rebounder and rim protector, but Duren looks poised to add to his overall skillset. He is affecting games in a variety of ways and should only continue to improve the more he plays.
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