Jalen Anthony Duren, born November 18, 2003, in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, is an American professional basketball player who currently plays as a center for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. Known for his towering presence, athleticism, and defensive prowess, Duren quickly became one of the league’s most promising young big men after a standout high school and college career.
Quick Facts of Jalen Duren
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jalen Anthony Duren |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 2003 |
| Age | 21 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| High School | Roman Catholic HS (Philadelphia, PA), Montverde Academy (FL) |
| College | Memphis Tigers (2021–2022) |
| NBA Draft | 2022: 1st round, 13th overall pick by Charlotte Hornets (rights traded to Pistons) |
| Current Team | Detroit Pistons (2022–present) |
| Salary | $4,330,680 (2023–24 season) |
| Net Worth | $6 million (2024) |
| Endorsements | Nike |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Major Achievements | NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2023), AAC Freshman of the Year (2022), First-team All-AAC (2022) |
Early Life
Jalen Duren grew up in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, before his family moved to New Castle, Delaware. As a child, he played football and baseball but eventually focused on basketball, showing remarkable growth and skill from an early age. By seventh grade, Duren had already gained attention as a 6 ft 5 in forward, joining the AAU program Team Final, where he led the 15U squad to a MADE Hoops League Championship.
High School Career
Duren began at Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, averaging 12.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game as a freshman and helping his team win the Philadelphia Catholic League title. After his sophomore year, he transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he competed in the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC), earning MaxPreps Florida High School Player of the Year (2020–21).
Recruiting and College Career
Originally part of the 2022 recruiting class, Duren reclassified to 2021 and committed to the Memphis Tigers over Kentucky, Miami, and professional league options. In his lone college season, he averaged 12 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, leading Memphis to the NCAA Tournament’s round of 32. Duren earned AAC Freshman of the Year and First-team All-AAC honors before declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft.
Professional Career
Detroit Pistons (2022–Present)
- Drafted 13th overall by Charlotte Hornets in 2022, Duren’s rights were traded to the New York Knicks and then to the Detroit Pistons.
- NBA debut: October 19, 2022 – 14 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks.
- Career highlights:
- Feb 10, 2023: Career-high 30 points, 17 rebounds vs. Spurs
- Jan 28, 2024: 22 points, career-high 21 rebounds vs. Thunder
- Nov 1, 2025: 33 points in a win against Dallas Mavericks
- 2025 milestone: Helped Pistons secure their first postseason appearance since 2019 with a 21-point, 18-rebound performance vs. Raptors
Duren is currently on a four-year $19.4 million rookie-scale contract, running through the 2025–26 season, with a team option exercised in 2023.
National Team Career
Duren represented the United States at the 2019 FIBA U16 Americas Championship in Brazil, winning a gold medal and earning a spot on the tournament All-Star Five, averaging 10.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.
Player Profile
Jalen Duren is widely regarded as one of the best “true post” players of his class. His size, strength, athleticism, and footwork allow him to dominate both offensively and defensively. Scouts compare him to Bam Adebayo and Marvin Bagley III, highlighting his NBA-ready potential from a young age.
Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $6 million (2024)
- Salary: $4.33 million (2023–24 season)
- Endorsements: Nike (signed 2022)
While details of Duren’s investments, cars, and charitable work remain private, his earnings from the NBA and endorsements form the core of his current wealth.
Personal Life
Jalen Duren remains single as of 2025 and resides primarily in Sharon Hill, Delaware during the offseason. Known for his focus on basketball, he keeps his personal life private.
