Detroit Pistons’ Guard Cade Cunningham dropped 11 points against the New York Knicks on Friday night in a comprehensive 80-118 victory. The Knicks were on an eight-game win streak coming into tonight’s game, which ended following their loss.
Meanwhile, All-Star center Jalen Duren sat out the game. Duren left the game against the Washington Wizards after only playing 13 minutes due to knee soreness. The center is averaging a career-best 17.7 points this season.
Pistons Star Cade Cunningham Sends Bold Message to Rest of NBA About Jalen Duren
Following tonight’s game, Cunningham spoke to the media. During this interview, the Pistons’ guard gave a shoutout to his teammate who missed tonight’s game. Duren, 22, was chosen for the All-Star Game as a reserve.
Cade on Jalen Duren:
“He’s gonna be the best big in this league one day. He’s on his way there” pic.twitter.com/Cxm1PdPEYH
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 7, 2026
“He’s well deserving of the All-Star spot. He’s going to be the best big in this league one day, and he’s already on his way there,” the Pistons’ Guard shared. Cunningham was also named to the NBA All-Star team as the Pistons currently sit atop their conference.
Duren has been one of the most impressive breakout players in the NBA this regular season. Averaging 17.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season. He was drafted with the 13th overall pick by the Hornets in the 2022 NBA draft, before being traded.
Earlier in the year, Duren also received loud applause from Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green. This came after he had a standout game against the Warriors, scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds as the Pistons defeated the Warriors 131-124.
“He came into the NBA with a grown man’s body Now, he knows how to use it. It’s night and day in the physicality that he plays with now compared to when he first came into the league. He’s handling the ball more, he’s making plays, but I think the biggest difference is he uses his body now.” Green shared.
At just 20 years old, Jalen Duren stands 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighs an impressive 250 pounds. In the lead-up to the season, Duren spoke to the media about working on his physique and training with his teammate, Cunningham.
“For me, the whole summer was about keeping my body right and getting my body in the best shape possible. I think this is the best I felt, body fat is down and my strenght is up. The whole summer was all about progressing.” Duren shared.
“Obviously like you said, we’ve been close. He’s (Cade Cunningham) my guy. I think I got a great relationship with everyone on the team. But Every Summer I try to go wherever he is and just get some work done.” The All-Star also shared.
Two defenders, no problem. pic.twitter.com/rgFsJ2XnPw
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 7, 2026
Duren’s teammate, Cunningham, was also named to the All-Star team and is potentially in the race for the MVP award. The Guard has played in 44 games this year. And, he is averaging 25.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game.
“The reality is we have an American-born MVP candidate in Cade Cunningham. Number one in the league, leading the league in assists, putting up 27 points a game … Cade Cunningham is as special of a player as we have in the league today.” Green also stated.
As well as having two all-star players on its roster, the Pistons also have a third all-star in its staff. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was also named a coach for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. Only four Pistons coaches have ever led an NBA All-Star team.
Currently leading the Eastern Conference, the Pistons also have one of their future stars, Cade Cunningham, tied down to a long-term deal, signing a maximum contract in 2024. Meanwhile, Jalen Duren is set to become a restricted free agent in the summer.
