Jalen Duren made progress after coming into camp late following a contract dispute that lingered over the summer, but the coach J. Bickerstaff The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson didn’t want to play him in Wednesday’s preseason game against Minnesota (Link to Twitter). If he is not in the lineup for this game, Duren’s last chance to play in the preseason will be Friday when Detroit hosts Toronto.
“We’re just being careful and making sure we don’t put him in a compromising position.” Bickerstaff said. “But he did everything we asked him to do. He was able to pass all the tests.”
Duren remained unsigned as a restricted free agent throughout the offseason, hoping to get Pistons increase their supply. In the end he accepted a a five-year, $200 million deal on Oct. 1, hours before the team’s qualifying offer ended.
Power forward John Collinswho came to Detroit on a trade this summer, spoke with Patterson about his fit with Duren (Link to Twitter).
“With our athleticism, our ability to dominate in the paint, I feel like playing with JD is going to be fun.” said Collins. “Especially with his vision, I feel like I have an underrated vision. … Always glad to have another good big guy.”
More on the Pistons:
- Duren’s confrontation with the team was as much about power and respect as it was about money ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill. He says management was disappointed with Duren’s playoff performance, which showed how much the team relies on Cade Cunningham bear a grudge. Sources confirmed to Goodwill that the Pistons have inquired about a trade Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant this summer and were ready to offer a big contract Austin Reeves when it hits the open market. However, Leonard did not want to come to Detroit Rockets refused to discuss Durant’s deal, and Reaves received a max contract from Lakers.
- Already considered one of the best defenders in the league, Ausar Thompson hopes to prove he can be valuable on both ends of the court, Patterson wrote in a the full story. Thompson was tasked with running the offense for part of Monday’s game against Phoenix. “Obviously we want Ausar to have the ball in his hands.” Bickerstaff said. “We think if he makes a leap, our team will make a leap. In order to do that, he’s got to get that exposure.”
- After being elevated on a standard contract in April, Three Smiths enters season with solid performance as third-string center, By Coty M. Davis of The Detroit News is told in the story for subscribers only. During the preseason meeting, Smith saw more playing time with Duren unavailable and had 13 rebounds in 15 minutes against Washington on Saturday. “Our front office was able to find those diamonds for us; guys that came through the (G League) Motor City and our system to make the team.” Bickerstaff said. “His skill set. His ability to work. His physicality. The way he can set screens. Defensively, he does a great job protecting the paint. He gives us a spark and energy with his physicality. He represents us.”
