Pistons' Jalen Duran Responds to Draymond Green Praise After Big Night

Duran appreciates the veteran's recognition of his growth and potential.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:26pm

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After Detroit Pistons All-Star Jalen Duran had a 23-point performance in a win over the Golden State Warriors, veteran forward Draymond Green praised the young center's growth and potential. Duran expressed his appreciation for Green's comments, saying it means a lot coming from a "champion, a legend, a Hall of Famer" in the league.

Why it matters

Duran has emerged as an All-Star this season, leading the Pistons in the absence of teammate Cade Cunningham. Green's praise highlights Duran's rapid development and the respect he is earning from veteran players around the league.

The details

Duran has averaged 19.2 points on 64.2% shooting, 10.5 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game this season. Green previously commended Duran ahead of the All-Star Game, Jalen's first selection of his career. Green noted that Duran has learned to maximize his physical tools and is now "handling the ball more, he's making plays" compared to his rookie season.

  • Duran had the 23-point performance in a win over the Warriors on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • Green praised Duran ahead of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, which was Jalen's first selection.

The players

Jalen Duran

A fourth-year center for the Detroit Pistons who was selected to his first NBA All-Star team this season.

Draymond Green

A veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors who is a multiple-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer.

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What they’re saying

“It means a lot, you know. Obviously, Draymond's a champion, a legend, a Hall of Famer in our league, so for him to recognize my game and see the growth in it means a lot to me. I just want to keep getting better. I think the sky is the limit. Not only for me, but for me, and my teammates.”

— Jalen Duran, Pistons All-Star Center

“He came into the NBA with a grown man's body. Now, he knows how to use it. It's night and day in the physicality that he plays with now as opposed to when he first came into the league. He's handling the ball more, he's making plays, but I think the biggest difference is he uses his body now.”

— Draymond Green, Warriors Veteran Forward

What’s next

The Pistons will host the Lakers on Monday, March 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Jalen Duran's rapid development and All-Star caliber season have earned him the respect of veteran players like Draymond Green, who have praised the young center's growth and potential. This recognition highlights Duran's emergence as a rising star in the NBA.