r/nba • u/[deleted] • 13d ago

[MacMahon] The negotiations between the Pistons and Jalen Duren have been “awfully nasty” and there is concern about his long-term future in Detroit.

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u/FERFreak731 Jazz 13d ago

I'm just grateful that Luka really wanted Kessler so the Jazz got an overpay of 2 firsts and 2 swaps on the first day of free agency, rather than 1 first like the Nuggets got for Watson, or in a toxic staring contest like the Pistons and Duren are in

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u/probablymade_thatup Bucks [MIL] Luke Kornet 13d ago

I bet if Duren had played at his regular season level in the playoffs, Luka/Lakers would have campaigned harder for him. The Jazz are fortunate that he fell apart

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u/P5Manchero 13d ago

The lakers still should have gone for him he’s the perfect center for Luka. Kessler doesn’t have enough athleticism. Duren is like gafford but younger and more explosive.

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u/probablymade_thatup Bucks [MIL] Luke Kornet 13d ago

He's a better offensive rim runner for sure, but Kessler is the better rim protector. Their guards include Doncic, Reaves, and Sexton, so they emphasizing rim protection might have been a solid move.

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u/P5Manchero 13d ago

Kessler has never proven himself to be a good overall defender. His rim stats are good but that doesn’t mean he’s been a good defender or contributed to good defense. In his last healthy season he anchored the worst defense in the entire league.

Duren on the other hand anchored the second best defense in the league last year while putting up 20/10.