Jalen Duren signed his five-year, $200 million contract on Thursday right before the midnight deadline. Duren is only 22 years old and played in 70 games last season for the Detroit Pistons. He averaged 19.5 points per game, 10.5 rebounds per game, 2.0 assists per game, 0.8 blocks per game, and 0.8 steals per game.
Duren was back at the practice facility on Friday for Detroit, three days after the Pistons opened training camp without him. Head coach JB Bickerstaff is no doubt happy to have him back with the team.
JB Bickerstaff on Jalen Durenβs Return and Ramp-Up
Pistons reporter Eric Woodyard relayed Bickerstaffβs read on the return: Duren is in great shape, but the Pistons still have to sort out his ramp-up period before he hits the floor.
βWeβll take our time figuring it out and we will go from there,β Bickerstaff said.
Pistons Open the Season Oct. 20 Against Boston
Detroit will begin the season on Tuesday, Oct. 20 against the Boston Celtics with tip-off scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena. Hopefully, Duren is up to speed by then and ready to go.
