The Detroit Pistons might be without their starting center against the Bulls on Thursday afternoon. What a shame.
According to James J. Edwards III of The Athletic, rookie Jalen Duren isn’t with the rest of the team in France, because he lost the one thing you need to go to France. That’s right, the youngest player in the NBA couldn’t find his passport and is now stranded in the states with fewer than 48 hours to go before the NBA’s big game in Paris.
Drafted 13th overall, Duren officially earned himself the Pistons starting center spot in early December. The big man has averaged 9.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game over his last 15 contests. On the season, Duren leads all rookies in rebounds and holds the best field goal percentage (63.4%) among rookies who have taken at least 202 attempts.
Duren has become a fundamental part of what the Pistons are building, and there is no question a potential absence will leave this 12-win team that much more vulnerable later this week. Not to mention, this just stinks for the big man who looked prime to return after missing his last five games with an ankle injury.
If Duren can’t find his way to Paris in time, Nikola Vucevic could be in for another big night. The Bulls’ center is fresh off a 43-point campaign against the Golden State Warriors, and I’m sure his teammates will be eager to see if he can keep the hot streak going. With that said, the Pistons do have some decent depth in the frontcourt, with both aggressive youngster Isaiah Stewart and savvy veteran Nerlens Noel ready to eat more minutes.
At least I doubt Duren will ever lose his passport again! Keep that thing behind lock and key, pal!