The Detroit Pistons kick off their four-game preseason slate on Monday as they host the Phoenix Suns. With only two weeks left before their season opener, the Pistons are in good shape. Not only have they taken a big stride towards mending the relationship with Jalen Duren, but they are also largely in excellent health.
In fact, the only player who isn't ready for the preseason opener is Duren. Ahead of Monday's game, head coach JB Bickerstaff discussed Duren's status and the team's plans with him before the season.
Will Jalen Duren be ready for the Pistons' season opener?
Bickerstaff said that Duren came into camp in good shape, but added that they are going to take their time, per Pistons insider Omari Sankofa II. He said that the team has "a plan in place to ramp him up" for the first game of the season against the Celtics on October 20. The veteran coach said that Duren will hopefully be "ready to go full speed" for the season opener.
It's certainly understandable that Duren would be a little far behind compared to his teammates. The All-Star center signed his contract on Thursday night. He had his first press conference on Sunday and joined practice on Monday.
Duren was obviously working out and staying in shape throughout the offseason, but he wasn't with the team. Plus, his offseason program while he was a free agent in the middle of intense contract talks may not have been super intense.
It's obviously not ideal that Duren will not get a chance to jell with his new teammates in the preseason. Fortunately for the Pistons, there is a ton of continuity on the team. Duren is familiar with the coaching staff and most of the rotation players. Besides John Collins and Isaiah Joe, there may not be any new faces in the regular rotation.
If Duren is off to a slow start or isn't ready to play his usual share of minutes, expect Paul Reed to step up. Reed has already moved up in the depth chart after Isaiah Stewart's departure. If Duren isn't 100% at the start of the season, Reed can see his role expand even further. Third-string center Tolu Smith could also carve out a small role for himself.
The pressure is on Duren. A contingent of Pistons fans is frustrated with the 22-year-old big man after the prolonged contract negotiations. So, it's very important for Duren to get off to a good start and erase the bad taste his playoff struggles and tense contract talks left in the fanbase's mouth. Whether he can do that will be the most fascinating storyline of the 2026-27 Pistons season.
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