Jalen Duren Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Pistons Roster
Memphis center Jalen Duren is heading to the Detroit Pistons after being selected with the No. 13 overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft on Thursday.
The Charlotte Hornets originally had this pick, but it was rerouted to the Pistons in a trade, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Kemba Walker was also reportedly sent from the Knicks to the Pistons as a part of the deal.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Jalen Duren
Position: C
Height: 6'11"
Pro Comparison: Derrick Favors
Scouting Report: Powerful and athletic, Duren will make his money around the basket, where he projects as an elite finishing target and rim protector. The upside really kicks in if he continues to build on the flashes of post footwork and passing.
Jaden Ivey, PG (rookie scale contract)
Jalen Duren, C (rookie scale contract)
Kelly Olynyk, PF: $12.4M (2024)
Cade Cunningham, PG: $11.4M (2025)
Kemba Walker, PG: $8.9M (2023)
Killian Hayes, PG: $6M (2024)
Hamadou Diallo, SG: $5.2M (2023, Team Option)
Cory Joseph, PG: $5M (2023)
Isaiah Stewart, C: $3.8M (2024)
Saddiq Bey, SG: $3.3M (2024)
Frank Jackson, PG: $3.1M (2023, Team Option)
Saben Lee, PG: $1.7M (2024)
Isaiah Livers, PF: $1.5M (2024)
Luka Garza, C: $1.2M (2023, Team Option)
Carsen Edwards, PG: $946K (2023, Team Option)
Braxton Key, SF: 2-Way Contract (2023)
Rodney McGruder, SG: UFA
Marvin Bagley III, PF: UFA
Jamorko Pickett, SF: RFA
Duren averaged 12.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game during his lone collegiate season with the Tigers. The 6'11", 250-pound prospect entered last season as the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2021 class, per 247Sports, and he flashed this potential with some big games as a freshman.
He finished the year with nine double-doubles, including one game in the AAC tournament, where he tallied 21 points, 20 rebounds and two blocks.
Though the NBA has shifted toward seeking versatile big men who can shoot, Duren is a throwback center who can excel with his size and strength in the post. With his defensive tools, he could be an immediate contributor to his new team.
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