Jalen Duren, the center for the Detroit Pistons, is hoping to continue his good play into his third NBA season. This year, he’ll be surrounded by a lot of new people, including another lottery choice.
With the third consecutive year’s fifth overall pick at their disposal, the Pistons decided to take a chance on Ron Holland, another wing prospect. Even though he was among the youngest players in his selection class, his demeanor has won over some of his new colleagues.
Jalen Duren speaks about Ron Holland
Duren was asked to share his initial thoughts about Holland during his media day. He started off by pointing out how mature the 19-year-old already is.
Duren told the reporters : “I would say about Ron, he’s very mature,” . “I’m like one year older than him, but just the conversations and the way he carries himself, he’s very mature. He’s very confident. I love that about him. Since day one he’s been like ‘I’m ready to go.'”
Prior to turning pro, Holland took a different path and chose to play in the G-League rather than college. In this sense, being a member of a professional team may have aided him in getting ready for life in the NBA. Many people were surprised when the Pistons selected Holland with the fifth overall pick. But remarks such as these demonstrate the long-term potential they see in him.
Holland’s maturity as a prospect could help him in his competition for a rotation slot throughout training camp. He will need to convince J.B. Bickerstaff that he is a worthy rookie player despite the log jam at the forward position. As for Duren, he’ll aim to keep developing in his role as the Pistons’ center anchor.
Averaging a double-double at age 20, he has demonstrated the ability to be a significant center (13.8 PPG and 11.6 RPG). Duren will become an even more important member of Detroit’s core if he can keep improving defensively.
