Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren big keys for Detroit Pistons’ future

SUMMER WEATHERS Sports Reporter

The newest assets to the Detroit Pistons are a lethal duo that has what it takes for an exciting next season.

This year, Ivey has shown his potential in all areas as a firstyear player, recently setting rookie franchise history. He is one of only three rookies who has accumulated at least 1,000 points, 200 rebounds and 200 assists.

With his 10th point in Friday night’s game against the Houston Rockets, he set the franchise record with 34 consecutive double-digit scoring performances. He has made astounding steps in learning how to optimize his quickness, and he’s always in attack mode.

He gets to the rack very easily through contact and has shown great flashes of passing.

He is even adding to his game by shooting more behind the arc, taking step-back 3-pointers and pulling up off screens and knocking down shots, which makes him a threat to guard.

Seeing this is all so exciting for the rebuild of the team.

In addition, Jalen Duren has exceeded everyone’s expectations and has been thriving this year. It’s trouble for the defense if Duren gets the ball close to the basket or even rises up for a lob for an extreme throwdown.

Duren, who is the league’s youngest player, also hauls in plenty of rebounds with his 7-foot-5 wingspan and has shown that he is very capable of locking down the paint, serving as a great rim protector and blocker. There are no easy baskets when he’s around.

In his near future, it wouldn’t be surprising if he made the AllDefensive Team. There is more to the big man’s game, though. Duren is also known as someone who reads the game well and is always looking for a shooter or cutter to set up. He has all the tools in his toolbox to help with the Pistons’ extremely bright future.

When paired with Jaden Ivey, it is clear that they have bonded not only as teammates on the court but have also exhibited chemistry when it comes to pick-and-roll action. The combination of Ivey’s passing and Duren’s ability to play high above the rim make for a powerful duo, and Pistons fans can count on the fact that they will use that same chemistry going forward.

The Pistons are so lucky to have gotten these two players from the draft to help them get into the playoff standings for next year’s comeback season. They are now packed with a powerful punch.