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5 second-year NBA players ready to take the leap this season

By Jakob Ashlin

Oct 28, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jalen Duren
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren dunks during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

Second-year NBA players ready to take the leap: 4. Jalen Duren

Duren quietly had a good rookie campaign. He got the opportunity to start 31 games. As a starter, he averaged 10.5 points and 10.6 rebounds across 28.9 minutes per game; shooting an efficient 67.3 percent from the field.

To make matters even more impressive, he is still only 19 years old. For perspective, Duren is younger than Brandon Miller, Cason Wallace, and the Thompson twins.

The young big man seemed to earn respect around the league. Paul George shouted out Duren on an episode of his podcast:

"“I like his game. I see what I think he will be in the league. I see him as a baby Dwight Howard… I just hope that they don’t stunt that kid’s growth because I think he’s going to be a big-time player. He is only 19. He has got the size. He has got good feet, he can move.”"

The Detroit Pistons do have an overabundance of centers (Duren, James Wiseman, Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley III), but Duren should have a firm hold on the starting center job. He has a legitimate shot to be among the league’s leading rebounders next season.

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