Pistons Roundup: LeVert works back into form, Duren’s market rising, Thompson sets aggressive tone
pistons-roundup-levert-duren-thompson
The Detroit Pistons have opened the season with several developing storylines, ranging from Caris LeVert’s slow return from injury to Jalen Duren’s rapid rise and Ausar Thompson’s newfound confidence.
LeVert easing in after hamstring setback
Veteran guard Caris LeVert, who agreed to a two-year contract during the offseason, missed most of the preseason because of a hamstring strain. He has appeared in three regular-season games, averaging 5.7 points across 18.3 minutes. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said LeVert’s impact extends beyond the box score. “He takes a lot of pressure off me,” Bickerstaff told Pistons.com. “You can put him in any spot and he fits. He does not take away from others. He just wants to compete with his teammates.”
Duren’s price tag could be climbing
Detroit and Jalen Duren did not finalize a rookie-scale extension before last month’s deadline, positioning the 19-year-old center for restricted free agency next summer. His market value may be rising after a career-best 33-point performance against Dallas in Mexico City, where he shot 13-for-16, grabbed 10 rebounds and handed out two assists. Through the early schedule, Duren is averaging 17.8 points and 10.0 boards. “He is such a beast,” guard Cade Cunningham said, according to The Athletic. “He makes my job easy.” Bickerstaff added, “Domination. He ran. He finished. He owned the interior.”
Thompson embraces full-court aggression
Rookie wing Ausar Thompson wrote in The Players’ Tribune that this offseason was the first in which he felt completely healthy, allowing him to “feel unlocked.” He plans to approach every possession with maximum aggression, crediting the freedom he enjoyed over the summer for sharpening his mindset.
Defense anchored at the rim
Detroit’s rim protection has stood out early. The Pistons lead the NBA with 7.0 blocks per contest, and forward Isaiah Stewart ranks among the league’s top five in total blocks. Opponents are converting just 41.7 percent of their attempts at the basket when Stewart is the primary defender.
The Pistons continue their schedule later this week as LeVert searches for rhythm, Duren strengthens his bargaining position and Thompson looks to sustain his high-energy approach.
Source: Hoops Wire
