Center of Attention: Unpacking the Detroit Pistons’ Five Spot.

What is a common denominator if you watch the 2024 NBA playoffs and see the teams in the mix? They all have elite centers that excel in their roles. Remember when basketball play changed so much style-wise that traditional centers were seen as more of a liability than an asset? It is safe to say that the conventional big men are back in the game making an impact. As a Pistons fan (or writer), you can take pride in this, knowing the team boasts a wealth of talent at the center position.

To complete our evaluation of the 2023-24 Detroit Pistons, we turn our attention to the center position. When we discussed the power forward position, it was clear that it was the most out-of-position group on the team. Early on, the center spot was the opposite of the power forward position. The Pistons had many players at the center spot; some may argue there were too many. How will the position fare in our grading? Let’s delve into it and find out, sparking your curiosity and engagement.

Center: Jalen Duren

When the Detroit Pistons acquired Jalen Duren from the New York Knicks via the Charlotte Hornets, it was a strategic move to fill the rebounding void left by Andre Drummond. Duren’s potential to become a dominant center in the coming years is undeniable. However, there are also moments when his consistency on a night-to-night basis is questioned, leaving us to wonder about his future performance.

Pros

Jalen Duren showcased some significant improvement in his offensive game this season.

• 79% free-throw shooter vs. 61% last season.
• 2.4 assists vs. 1.1 assists last season.
• 13.8 points vs. 9.1 points last season.
• 6th in field goal percentage (61%).
• 9th in true shooting (65%)

The stat that Duren made the most impact this season was on the glass.

• 16th in offensive rebounds (192)
• 16th in defensive rebounds (517)
• 5th in rebounds per game (11.6)
• 3rd in total rebound percent (22.2)
• 8th in offensive rebounding percent (11.8)
• 1st in defensive rebounding percent (33.0)

Duren had three 20+ rebound games and 56 games of 10 or more rebounds. His 44 double-doubles tied him with Tyrese Haliburton for 8th in the league. When Duren wanted to be dominant, Duren was dominant.

Cons

I would’ve liked to see him develop that one move in the post to get him a bucket. As good of a rim-runner and rebounder, Duren needs that move he can go to. Another problem with Duren this season was that he was not as elite of a rim protector as I think he could be. Durens’ average of 0.8 blocks this season was very disappointing. I would like him to be more available next season as well. Sixty-one games is a decent stretch to be available, but for the Pistons to be the team, I think they can be. Duren has to be within that 70-75 game threshold.

Grade: B+

James Wiseman

James Wiseman, the 2nd overall pick in the 2020 draft by the Golden State Warriors, was seen as a can’t-miss prospect at center. He couldn’t find his footing in Golden State due to the reliability of the veterans on the roster and the injury to his knee that cost him to miss the 21-22 season. There was a glimmer of hope when he was traded to the Pistons during the 2023 trade deadline to showcase himself as a true talent. Wiseman averaged 12.7 points and 8.1 rebounds on 53% shooting. The momentum from the 2nd half of the season was supposed to carry on this season, but it just didn’t.

Pros

The Pistons rebounding percentages took a hit when he wasn’t on the floor. Wiseman helped the Pistons with a 26% offensive rebounding rate on the floor vs. 21% off the floor. The Pistons defensive rebounded at a 78% clip when Wiseman was on the floor vs. 75% when he wasn’t. Wiseman shot 61% from two-point range with a true shooting percentage of 63%. His 78% from a distance of 0-3 feet was one of the best on the team. Wiseman also played in a career-high 63 games this season.

Cons

The organization failed James Wiseman this season. Troy Weaver failed him by bringing back Marvin Bagley after trading for him early in the 22-23 season and re-signing him during this past offseason. Monty Williams failed him by not giving him the proper minutes to showcase his skills as either a critical rotational piece or a trade asset. When Wiseman was on the floor, The Pistons struggled to score (107.7 pts with vs. 111.4 without), and teams scored more (121.8 opponents pts with vs. 118.3 without). Considering all the things James Wiseman endured, I believe he did okay.

Grade: D+ (Coaching failed him).

Center: Marvin Bagley III (Traded to The Washington Wizards)

Marvin Bagley, the 2nd overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, was another guy seen as a can’t-miss prospect. During his three and half seasons in Sacramento, Bagley couldn’t stay healthy. Bagley played in 148 of Sacramento’s 293 games he was eligible to play in. Once he was traded to the Pistons, Bagley flashed his potential, averaging 14.6 points in 18 games. The same problems in Sacramento followed him in Detroit: Injuries.

Pros

During the season, Bagley was shooting a career-high 59% from the field. He was also an outstanding free-throw shooter at 82%. The Pistons offense was much better when Bagley was on the floor (114.4 on vs. 109.9 off). Of all the players on the floor, Bagley was a guy who made an impact when he was on the floor offensively. He shot 71% from 0-3 feet, 54% from 3-10 feet, and 42% from 10-16 feet.

Cons

Bagley defensively was a liability. The opponent’s offensive rating was 122.3 when he was on the floor vs. 118.9 when he wasn’t. In today’s game, where the big men are shooting threes, I would’ve liked him to shoot the three more than he did (six). For the most part, Marvin Bagley wasn’t a bad player for the Pistons by no stretch. The only thing you can say about him is that he initially took some developmental minutes from James Wiseman.

Grade: C+

Center: Chimezie Metu

The Pistons picked up Metu after the Suns let him go. When you look at how the Timberwolves bullied the Suns with their big-man rotation, Metu could’ve been a solid body. He’s been a solid option at every stop in his career.

Pros

Metu can play, and he’s effective when he gets the minutes. During the 21-22 season, Metu started in 20 of the 60 games he played for the Sacramento Kings, averaging 8.9 points on 45/30/78% shooting. Metu started seven games for the Pistons and averaged 10.5 points on 50/30/95% shooting. From 0-3 feet, Metu was a 76% shooter, 59% from 3-10 feet, and 40% from 10-16 feet. He had a knack for the ball defensively with his 1.7 steals average.

Cons

Metu did precisely what he was supposed to do, if not exceeded all expectations. When he was brought in, I can guarantee the team wasn’t expecting him to start games. Metu took advantage of the opportunities given to him. I think Metu played himself into a significant role with the Pistons next season. James Wiseman likely won’t be back with the Pistons next season, so somebody has to get that spot. Why Not Metu?

Grade: INC (If he’d played more games… B-)

Center: Mike Muscala (Waived)

Mike Muscala was acquired in the Marvin Bagley trade early in the season. Muscala, Like Metu, wasn’t a guy I thought the Pistons were looking to get big-time minutes out of. In the time he did play, Muscala shot the three at a 38% clip.

Grade: INC

Center Overall Grade

The center spot has the potential to be quite good. If you read my previous pieces on the other positions, you will see this is the 23-24 Pistons title. Each position has the physical tools to do something great; they must overcome the roadblocks. If he can develop a low post-game and be meaner on the defensive end, Jalen Duren will be a monster in the next few years. I wish James Wiseman all the best with his next team, and I still believe he will be a serviceable center in this league.

Chemezie Metu can provide some instant offense off the bench for the Pistons to solidify the production they can get from the second unit. Mike Muscala is the ultimate professional, and I hope he gets a chance to get a ring.

Overall Grade: C

The 2023-24 Detroit Pistons Report Card

This was the worst season in franchise history. Everything that could go wrong in a season went wrong for the Pistons. The losing streaks, the injuries, and the media and fan backlash made this a season to forget. Light is at the end of this long tunnel, but these guys must ask themselves if they are ready to shine.