Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren Dominate the NBA Rim for the Pistons

DETROIT, Mich. — Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons are establishing themselves as two of the best rim protectors in the NBA. Stewart, the 22-year-old center, has been recognized as the league’s best rim protector for two consecutive seasons. Recent analyses have highlighted that he held opponents to an impressive 46% shooting on layups and dunks last season, the best statistic in the league over the past decade.

This season, Stewart is continuing to shine as a rim protector, averaging nearly two blocks per game, despite primarily coming off the bench. His current block rate ranks him fourth in the league, but he is more focused on preventing scores than simply racking up blocks. “I just want to stop the play, not just go for the block,” Stewart said.

Victor Wembanyama leads the league in blocks, but Stewart, at 6-foot-8, makes his impact felt without the height advantage. He combines strength with positioning, creating a barrier that deters players from attacking the paint. “Going right at him is a bad idea,” a league scout noted. “He’s one of the strongest guys in the league.”

Meanwhile, Jalen Duren, 21, is also making waves. He’s averaged nearly 20 points and 12 rebounds per game this season while showing incredible improvement on the defensive end. Last season, analysis revealed that the Pistons were often a better team defensively when Duren was off the floor, but that trend has reversed this season. Opponents shoot only 58% at the rim against him, placing him among the league’s elite rim protectors.

“The way he uses his body is impressive,” Stewart said about Duren, who is already known for his powerful play. Duren has dedicated himself to becoming a more consistent defender and is showing how he can dominate the game without simply chasing blocks.

Critics had previously pointed to Duren’s need to improve defensively and add to his offensive repertoire, but he has proven doubters wrong by showing an ability to score efficiently as a roll man. He ranks near the top of the league in points per possession as a roll man, averaging 1.46 points per possession, one of the best rates in the league.

With both players now setting milestones in their young careers, the future appears bright for the Pistons. The combination of Stewart’s strength and Duren’s agility has made them a formidable duo in the paint, transforming their team’s defensive outlook.

In a recent game against the Indiana Pacers, Duren showcased his skills with 31 points and 16 rebounds, further solidifying his status as the team’s emerging star. Stewart’s praise for Duren shows the camaraderie and support the players share as they strive for further success in the league. “Nobody wants to stand in front of his big body…I’m excited for the future for him,” Stewart added.