Cade Cunningham: Pistons Star Predicts Jalen Duren’s Rise to NBA Dominance
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has high expectations for his teammate, center Jalen Duren, boldly predicting he will become one of the league’s very best. Following a dominant 118-80 victory over the New York Knicks, Cunningham shared his assessment of Duren’s potential, signaling a bright future for the Pistons.
Cunningham’s Confidence in Duren
“He’s gonna be the best bigs in this league one day,” Cunningham stated in an interview with Prime’s The Crossover. “He’s on his way there.” This strong endorsement from a fellow All-Star highlights the impact Duren is already having on the Pistons and the league as a whole.
Cade on Jalen Duren: “He’s gonna be the best big in this league one day. He’s on his way there” pic.twitter.com/Cxm1PdPEYH
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 7, 2026
Duren’s All-Star Season & Impact
In his fourth season, Jalen Duren has become a cornerstone of the Pistons’ success. Alongside Cade Cunningham, he’s a key reason the team has consistently held a top spot in the Eastern Conference. His first All-Star selection was well-deserved, recognizing his crucial role in the team’s defense and his consistent scoring ability.
This season, Duren is averaging an impressive 17.7 points on 63% shooting, alongside 10.5 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game. At just 22 years old, his potential for growth is immense. The Pistons’ success is inextricably linked to Duren’s development.
Pistons’ Recent Success & Duren’s Injury
The Pistons have been on a roll, winning 10 of their last 13 games. Their current record of 38-13 places them second in the Eastern Conference, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder (40-12). However, the team recently faced a setback with Duren dealing with a knee injury that sidelined him for their win against the Knicks.
Duren’s next opportunity to return to the court will be against the Charlotte Hornets, kicking off a four-game road trip leading into the All-Star break. Fans eagerly await his return as the Pistons continue their pursuit of championship contention.
Duren to Compete in Dunk Contest
Adding to his already exciting All-Star weekend, Duren will also participate in the dunk contest, becoming the fourth Pistons player to ever compete in the event. He will be joined by Jaxson Hayes of the Lakers and rookie Carter Bryant of the Spurs. This provides another platform for Duren to showcase his athleticism and further solidify his rising star status.
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