It’s been nearly four years since the Charlotte Hornets shipped Jalen Duren to the Detroit Pistons on draft night. For a long time, that decision looked like a franchise‑altering mistake. But after Duren’s latest postseason struggles, Hornets fans might not be lamenting on it the same way.
Back then, Mitch Kupchak and the Hornets front office believed Mark Williams was the better long‑term fit. They saw an opportunity to collect assets and land their preferred center. In their opinion, this move on paper was a slam dunk. Now, the Hornets have been starting Moussa Diabate—who's been an important piece in this season's turnaround—and rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner.
Fast forward to 2026, and Duren has blossomed into an All‑Star, a Most Improved Player finalist, and a legitimate All‑NBA candidate. His regular season was dominant. But once the playoffs arrived, everything slowed down.
Duren hasn’t delivered under postseason pressure
Through two losses to Orlando, Duren has been held to just eight points in each game. He’s struggled with turnovers, and he fouled out in his most recent appearance.
Wendell Carter Jr. deserves a ton of credit, as he’s smothered Duren all series. Orlando has also packed the paint, forcing Detroit’s young big man into uncomfortable decisions and limiting his impact around the rim.
If the Pistons bow out in the first round in an upset, Duren will inevitably be part of the conversation. He’s eligible for a massive contract extension this summer, but a disappointing playoff showing could complicate negotiations—at least the number Detroit is willing to commit to.
Where does that leave the Hornets?
Williams never panned out for Charlotte, and Phoenix ended up learning the same lesson. With what Duren has displayed in the regular season, I’d be shocked if Detroit doesn’t end up striking a deal with the restricted free agent. If they don’t, another team on the market will take a chance.
As a Hornets fan, I’d still take Duren today without hesitation. His ceiling remains higher, and he’s still ascending. But he’s also shown that he may not be a reliable second option when the lights are brightest. There’s a world where he never fully reaches that tier as a running mate with Cade Cunningham.
The fact of the matter is Charlotte is still looking for their long-term big man. There are a few high-upside prospects that would fit the bill. If that happens and Duren continues to fall off a cliff, Hornets fans might just end up getting the last laugh after all.
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