Pistons Coach Hints Jalen Duren Return Could Take Longer

Detroit Pistons' All-Star center Jalen Duren has been cleared for on-court work as he recovers from a right hamstring strain, but his return to the court is still two weeks away, according to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. The Pistons' fanbase, who had been eagerly awaiting his return after a long contract standoff, is starting to feel the wait is taking longer than anticipated.

Bickerstaff emphasized that the team is not in a rush to rush Duren back, as they want to ensure he returns fully healed and ready to play. The Athletic's Pistons reporter Hunter Patterson shared Bickerstaff's comments on X, stating, "It's a slow process because it's one of those things you don't want to push too far... We're not going to rush him.

We're going to take our time and make sure we're doing things right so when he comes back, he's back for good." Duren, who signed a five-year, $200 million deal on October 1, has missed six straight games since suffering the injury on October 23 against the Miami Heat. His return is currently expected to be around November 22 at Atlanta, which could sting given that he agreed to the contract on October 1 and has played only two games since his injury.

The Pistons have been holding their own without Duren, sitting at 4-2 without him, while Paul Reed has been starting at center. However, the team's offensive rebounding percentage ranks 28th, and their upcoming schedule does not help matters, with six of their next nine games played on the road, including trips to San Antonio and Atlanta.