The Detroit Pistons‘ presence in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs is a big break for Jalen Duren.
As the first round played out, and the Pistons struggled against a No. 8 seed in the Orlando Magic, Jalen Duren was easily the most-criticized player in the series.
The second round can’t come soon enough, as a recent list from Bleacher Report served as a reminder that Duren had a tough seven-game stretch.
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons controls the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Was Jalen Duren The Most Disappointing?
If the Pistons lost Game 7 against the Magic, Duren might’ve topped this list.
Fortunately for him, the star center avoided the top two spots, which were issued to the Denver Nuggets duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Still, doesn’t give Duren a pass. The first-time All-Star was playing in just his second postseason run, but you would’ve thought it was his first. At no point did the Pistons see the same player that they watched throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season.
The numbers matched the eye test.
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons controls the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
“Duren is averaging double digits while struggling to get any sort of offensive traction. He hasn’t been able to get anything started for himself,” Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale wrote. “He’s shooting under 28 percent on drives. His two-point efficiency drops from 53.1 percent alongside Cade Cunningham to 33.3 percent without him.”
During the regular season, Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. In seven playoff games, those numbers were down to 10.6 points and 9.4 rebounds. Even his field goal percentage dipped by 13%.
Give credit to the Magic for the defensive effort they played on everybody on Detroit’s side, but stars who get paid the big bucks typically find ways to overcome stellar defense and consistently produce.
Duren is still on his rookie deal, but has been in line for a major payday. Unfortunately, his struggles in the postseason are clouding judgment just under two months out from free agency.
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 15: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons grabs a first half rebound while playing the Phoenix Suns at Little Caesars Arena on January 15, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Round 2 Can Help
Jalen Duren has a second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers to help him bounce back.
The Magic series will be a bad taste left until Duren shows he can have a good series this year. If not, that could spell trouble for his upcoming free agency run.