Detroit Pistons rookie Jalen Duren returned from a five-game absence on Thursday and put up a double-double effort in a loss to the Chicago Bulls in Paris, France.
Duren, who recently dealt with ankle soreness, did not travel with the team on Monday to France after misplacing his passport. The situation was eventually resolved, and the 19-year-old joined the Pistons on Wednesday and was able to participate in some on-court work.
He produced 11 points, 12 rebounds, two blocked shots, one assist and one steal in 18 minutes in the 126-108 loss at Accor Arena. He was placed on a minute restriction after missing two weeks of action, but he showed little rust in the outing.
Pistons coach Dwane Casey explained what happened with his passport.
He had it and left it in a car that he put in the shop and as he was going through the process of getting another passport, they found the other passport. (It is) a learning experience as well as a part of being (about) basketball and a part of life, and understanding how important passports are. Without having any practice the last two weeks, I thought he came out and gave us everything he had.
New country, same @JalenDuren 🤝🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/BYWmrdEySd
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 19, 2023
The Pistons greatly missed Duren over the last five games: The 13th pick has emerged as one of the top offensive rebounders in the league. He is sixth among all players averaging 3.4 offensive rebounds per game; he grabbed three on Thursday.
Duren is averaging 7.8 points and 8.6 rebounds on 64.1% shooting from the field. His 344 rebounds lead all rookies and are the third-most through 40 career games in team history. He is also tied with Walker Kessler for the most double-doubles among rookies (9).
The passport situation will certainly be a learning experience for Duren, whose his career is just getting started. He continues to show improvement on a nightly basis and appears poised for a bright future in Detroit.
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