Yo, it’s your boy back at it again, and today we’re diving into some fantasy basketball talk, specifically about Jalen Duren. This kid’s got potential, and I’ve been messing around with him in my leagues, so I figured I’d share my experience.

So, first off, I snagged Duren in most of my drafts this year. I mean, his average draft position was like 99, which is wild to me because he’s already a walking double-double. I saw this dude and I knew I had to have him in my lineup.
I started paying real close attention to the Pistons games once the season was on, specifically because I wanted to see how my boy was doing. Man, in his second season, this guy’s putting up nearly 14 points and almost 12 rebounds a game. That’s just nuts for a 20-year-old. Dude’s like that rare, dominating paint guy, which is wild to see in such a young player.
I remember one game against the Celtics, though, where he only got 5 points and 5 rebounds. It was a bit of a letdown, but you know, everyone has their off nights. I wasn’t gonna let it get to me.
In my fantasy league, I started Duren most games. I mean, why wouldn’t I? The guy’s a beast. I noticed that with a few more minutes and a better team around him, he could easily be averaging way more. I was banking on it, actually.
- I kept track of his stats.
- I compared his performance to other centers in the league.
- I even traded some players around to make sure I had a solid team built around Duren’s strengths.
One time, I almost traded him away. I had an offer that was pretty tempting, but I just couldn’t do it. I believed in Duren’s potential too much. I imagined him having those 20/20 games, you know? And I wanted to be the one to benefit from that.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing, though. There were times when I doubted my decision. Like, should I have gone for a more established player? But then Duren would have a monster game, and I’d be like, “Yeah, that’s my guy!”
In the end, adding Duren to my fantasy team was a bit of a rollercoaster. But honestly, I don’t regret it. It was fun rooting for him and seeing him develop. Plus, he definitely helped me win a few matchups, so that’s always a bonus.
My Honest Take
Getting Jalen Duren on your fantasy team is like finding a hidden gem. He’s not quite polished yet, but the potential is clearly there. If you’re willing to be patient and ride out the ups and downs, he could be a real asset to your team. Just don’t expect him to be Nikola Jokic overnight, you know? But hey, the kid’s young, he’s got the physical tools, and he’s only getting better. Keep an eye on him, for real.
Alright, that’s my two cents on Jalen Duren in fantasy basketball. Hope you guys found this little journey of mine somewhat useful. Peace out!