What Makes Jalen Duren Elite Defensively and as a Lob Threat?

Jalen Duren is one of the best young bigs in the league.

He’s anchoring an elite defense on one end, and on the other end, he’s a lob threat for every on-ball screen he sets.

Duren and the Detroit Pistons are on the verge of clinching the No. 1 seed in the East, and that’s thanks in huge part to the star big man, who has been shutting down shots at the cup all season.

Jalen Duren’s Motor as a Rim Protector

The Pistons are fourth in the NBA in fewest points in the paint allowed per game (43.8). Duren averages just under a block per game.

It’s his ability to play in various pick-and-roll coverages and understanding personnel that has led the Pistons’ defensive unit.

Duren often plays at the level of the screen, meaning he has to keep the ball handler out of the lane.

In this play, he’s done his job, there’s no straight line drive for Jordan Goodwin. But Tobias Harris is out of the play and he’s not in front of the basketball. Duren does a fantastic job spinning off his man and meeting Goodwin at the cup for the block.

Again, Duren has his feet up towards the level of the screen, ready to keep the ball handler out of the lane. But Jaylen Brown rejects the screen and Duren immediately commits to protect the rim. He knows his personnel — Neemias Queta is not a threat from deep and Duren can ignore him. 

The first time all star finishes the play with a help side rejection.

On the other end, he’s elite catching lobs on the move.

Duren and Cunningham in PNR action

The Pistons score 1.21 points per pick and roll possession — third best in the league. 

It’s Cade Cunningham’s ability to pass the ball out of certain coverages and Duren’s ability to catch and score that lead to easy buckets.

Duren will set the screen for Cunningham to drive to his weak hand.

Duren slips out of the screen early and recognizes Cunningham has drawn two defenders on the ball. Cunningham makes a beautiful jump pass to find Duren on the short roll for a dunk.

Same thing here with Cunningham going to his off hand.

The big man bails out of the screen early with Cunningham drawing two on the ball. Cunningham makes another nice jump pass to get the ball to Duren on the short roll.

The short roll allows Duren to catch the ball, build momentum and finish the play with a hammer on the weakside defender.

Here’s a different look where they operate the pick-and-roll on the empty side, meaning Cunningham has full vision of where the help is coming from, if there is any.

Cunningham gets Duren’s defender to commit long enough for Duren to roll. The former first-overall pick makes a beautiful lob over the out-stretched hand of Mark Williams and Duren’s athleticism finishes the play with the one-handed catch and slam.

Duren is someone to avoid in pick-and-roll defense come playoff time. To defend his roll to the rim, playoff teams will need to have multiple athletic bigs to challenge him.

Without a doubt, Duren’s game will translate into the postseason. He’ll look to lead Detroit Basketball back to the depths of the playoffs.