When first laying eyes on Jalen Duren, you can’t help but marvel at the pure size and strength of the Detroit Pistons rookie. Listed at an imposing 6-foot-10 with enviable strength and vertical pop, Duren was unlike most first-year big-men.
Athletically gifted centers usually lack the strength required to battle on the interior, whilst physically imposing bigs traditionally lack the bounce to challenge athletic foes. Not Duren.
The 13th overall selection in last year’s NBA Draft led all rookies in rebounds per game (8.9) and dunks (157). A testament to his forceful approach in Year One.