The youngest player in the draft, Pistons center Jalen Duren, is making his presence felt in the Vegas Summer League, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com writes. Duren, the 13th overall pick acquired via a three-team deal, had 13 points in 26 minutes against Washington on Saturday.
“When he’s in the game, I think you can feel it,” summer league coach Jordan Brink said. “You can feel it in the gym. They’re not as likely to try to attack the rim. And he’s a constant lob threat every time he’s on the floor. He spaces the floor because he’s a lob threat every time he rolls. So I’ve been ecstatic with the way he’s playing and the way he’s taking coaching.”
We have more from the Central Division:
- Alex Caruso‘s first season with the Bulls was marred by illness and injuries, most notably a fractured wrist that sidelined him 22 games. He hopes to improve his durability next season, according to Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago. “Just trying to gain a little weight, a little muscle on the lower extremities, a little bit on my back,” he said. “And then just, you know, grinding on my game. I’ve been in the gym (for the) last month, month and a half.”
- Caruso is excited by the free agent additions of Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic and rookie Dalen Terry, Schaefer writes in a separate story. He’s especially looking forward to absorbing knowledge from Dragic, as they might share the backcourt at times. “I’m excited to get to know him and be his teammate,” Caruso said. “Savvy. That left hand of his is deadly. You let him get to his left, he’s a really, really good player. Good shooter outside, experienced postseason player. I think he’s just a good addition to help the core and the overall team mindset of what we’re going to expect next year.”
- Darius Garland signed his five-year max extension over the weekend but the Cavaliers value him for more than just his on-court contributions, Chris Fedor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer notes. “Darius has proven to be a tremendous basketball player and someone who embodies everything a franchise would want in a young player,” president of basketball operations Koby Altman said. “We’ve quickly seen Darius grow into an NBA All-Star and an integral core piece in our pursuit of sustainable success. Both on and off the court, Darius has demonstrated a strong commitment to this organization and the community.”
I don’t know why I feel this way. I’m way beyond hanging posters on my wall, e.t.c but it would be great if Koby threw a few compliments towards Sexton too. Like somewhere in this quote he said “Garland is incredible, blah, blah, blah and we hope to have him and hopefully Collin locked down soon. They’d make a tremendous combo”. They have the same agent. It feels like he might be on his way out. Koby has no finesse in his skill set. Seduce these players like you’re juggling women pimp. (jk).
Why should he be talking about someone else, who isnt even currently signed, when addressing an extension with 1 of the current faces of the franchise, besides Mobley?
Altman does not need to advocate for anyone, when he’s kind of the decider.
He would be advocating to himself!
Sexton has a big call too… It would be weird if he took the QO.
Maybe he thinks that’s your job.
Jalen Duren reminds me an awful lot of Andre Drummond.
He reminds me of a few people. Robert Williams, an engaged Hassan Whiteside/young DeAndre Jordan, and kind of Dwayne Dedmon
More like Shawn Kemp or Dwight Howard. He actually has a motor and shows effort. And the kid is 18! 18!
Of course Caruso is happy. He’d be even happier if the Bulls would sign a reliable backup 4 so they didn’t ask him to guard 4’s anymore. The reason all the guards got injured was because they asked them to guard 4’s after PW went down. I’m still waiting. Sorry to hear about Liddell as I thought he was in play at 18.