Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham’s absence could likely set the stage for Jalen Duren to make the All-NBA team and grab a contract opportunity of a staggering $288.8 million. Cunningham remains sidelined due to a collapsed lung, a fate that could have cost the Pistons consistency on the playoff run, but it was Duren who stepped up as the anchor.
Cade Cunningham’s Absence Impacts Jalen Duren’s Next Contract
Duren has emerged as one of the top-rated rebounders in the NBA and has proven himself time and again with his dominance as a paint scorer and a potential lob threat. Duren has been finishing at a high rate around the rim and has been a pivotal player on the Pistons’ roster in the past few games. In a blowout over the Washington Wizards, the 6-foot-10 center posted a career-high 36 points and 12 rebounds.
Duren repeated the feat against the same opponents, notching 24 points and 11 rebounds. In Cunningham’s extended absence, he was a sensation to watch, going the extra mile to lead his team with 23 points and help secure the top spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs in a game against the Golden State Warriors.
However, the Detroit Pistons have yet to fully define Duren’s role, as his play style remains somewhat limited. Much of his offense is created by Cunningham, meaning the center does not generate his own scoring opportunities.
If the 22-year-old continues to make strong progress, he could contend to be among the top eligible players, but he is not expected to be in the All-NBA First Team conversation like Cunningham. He is also in line for a potential five-year contract worth $288.8 million, as per recent reports.
While his trajectory has drawn praise, Duren has shown that he remains grounded in humility. After the game, in which he racked up a career-high 36 points, he quickly shifted the credit away from himself and praised his teammates and coach J.B. Bickerstaff. In a postgame conference, he expressed:
“It’s just me trying to do what my teammates and my coaches ask me. It’s not all about me. I think my teammates find me in spots to be great. JB puts me in spots to be great. That’s just credit to them, man.”
In that game against the Wizards, Daniss Jenkins was an integral part of the squad in place of their star player. With just weeks left in the regular season, the Detroit Pistons have shown that their style of play is the underpinning of their success. They will next face the Los Angeles Lakers before locking horns with the Atlanta Hawks.
