Jalen Duren Shines As Pistons Push For All-Star Nod

Jalen Duren’s star continues to rise in Detroit, and if Thursday night’s performance against the Phoenix Suns is any indication, the Pistons’ young center is making a compelling case for his first NBA All-Star selection. On January 29, 2026, Duren delivered a commanding double-double, notching 23 points on a stunning 10-of-11 shooting, draining all three free throws, and adding 13 rebounds, four assists, and a block in just 28 minutes of action. Despite his efforts, the Pistons fell 114-96 to the Suns, but Duren’s individual brilliance was impossible to miss.

This latest double-double marked Duren’s third in eight games since returning from an ankle injury, and his 21st of the 2025-2026 season—tying him for ninth in the NBA. The 23 points he poured in represented his highest scoring output since his return, a testament to his rapidly evolving offensive arsenal. Since rejoining the lineup, the fourth-year big man is averaging 17.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game, while shooting an eye-popping 65.6 percent from the field. That’s not just efficient—it’s elite.

Detroit’s faith in Duren has never been stronger. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who will lead one of the All-Star teams this year, couldn’t help but sing his center’s praises earlier this week. “He’s dominated the paint on both ends of the floor, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, protecting the rim, his playmaking, his ability to score and go get it on his own,” Bickerstaff said on Monday. “But even on top of that, it’s not hollow. He’s impacted winning in a high way. And anytime a team is sitting first in a conference anywhere multiple guys should get the nod because if winning is the ultimate goal and that’s where you gain, your respect, nobody’s done it at a higher level.”

The numbers certainly back up Bickerstaff’s claim. Duren, only 22 years old and now in his fourth NBA season, is enjoying a career year. He’s averaging a personal-best 17.9 points per game on 63.8% shooting, paired with 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and nearly a block and a steal each night. These aren’t empty calories, either—Duren is one of only two centers in the league (the other being three-time MVP Nikola Jokic) averaging over 15 points while converting more than 60% of his shots. That’s rarified air.

What’s more, Duren has begun to expand his offensive game. While he’s always been a force around the rim, he’s now added a reliable midrange jumper, making him a nightmare for defenses. When he gets under the basket, his physicality and footwork open up easy scoring opportunities, but defenders can’t sag off anymore—he’ll punish them from just inside the arc as well.

Defense? Duren’s got that covered, too. While teammate Isaiah Stewart might draw more headlines for his elite defensive play, Duren more than holds his own as a rim protector, ranking 14th in total blocks and seventh in steals per game among Eastern Conference centers. His all-around impact is reflected in his win share of 5.3—an advanced stat estimating the number of wins a player contributes to his team. That mark is not only higher than Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham’s 5.1, but it also ranks 14th in the entire NBA, fourth in the Eastern Conference, and third among all centers. Talk about making your presence felt!

The Pistons, meanwhile, are riding high atop the Eastern Conference with a 34-12 record, holding a lead of more than five games as January draws to a close. It’s been a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that’s endured more than its share of lean years. With Cunningham already named as a starter for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game and the coaching staff set to run one of the three All-Star squads, Detroit is poised to be one of the most well-represented teams at this year’s festivities. The only question left: Will Duren join the party?

His teammates certainly think he should. “You’re not going to find bigs better than him,” Cunningham said on Tuesday. “Not going to find bigs that impact winning more than he does. I think that’s a simple fact. He’s a star on this team and this team is dominating the league right now. For that simple fact I think he should be a lock.” Cunningham didn’t stop there, adding, “He puts the ball on the floor, he’s hitting jump shots. Obviously he’s a monster inside rebounding the ball, blocking shots. His defensive numbers are big time. He’s helping lead our group in a lot of different stats as far as defensively and stuff. It’s just so many different things that he does that I feel like makes it clear.”

There’s history on the line, too. If Duren is named an All-Star reserve when the selections are announced on Sunday, February 1, at 6 p.m. on NBC and Peacock, it would mark the first time since 2008 that Detroit has sent multiple players to the midseason classic. The league’s experts and insiders are already favoring Duren’s selection, and with the Pistons’ success, it’s hard to argue against it. The Eastern Conference leaders have sent at least two players to the All-Star Game in eight of the last nine seasons, and this year’s Pistons squad is starting to reach some rare air.

What makes Duren’s rise even more impressive is the depth of Detroit’s roster. With so many talented players, it’s easy for individual contributions to get overshadowed. Yet Duren’s impact on both ends of the floor—and his ability to elevate the team’s ceiling—has made him impossible to ignore. Whether it’s dominating the paint, showcasing his improved midrange game, or anchoring the defense, Duren has proven he’s more than just a role player; he’s a legitimate star in the making.

Detroit fans will be watching closely as the All-Star reserves are unveiled, hoping to see their young center recognized for a breakout season that’s helped propel the Pistons to the top of the East. With the numbers, the impact, and the respect of his peers and coaches, Jalen Duren’s All-Star case is as strong as they come.

As the Pistons prepare for the next stretch of the season and await the All-Star announcements, one thing is clear: Jalen Duren has arrived, and the rest of the league is finally taking notice.