Memphis Professional Athletes

Jalen Duren's Week: History Made, Then Halted

The Memphis basketball pipeline to the NBA had a dramatic week — and Jalen Duren was squarely at the center of it.

The Detroit Pistons center delivered one of the most compelling performances of opening week, scoring 22 points and grabbing 9 rebounds as Detroit erased a 22-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 121-113 on opening day — the largest comeback in NBA opening-day history. Duren and Cade Cunningham each finished with 22 points, and Duren was characteristically direct afterward about what fueled the rally. The extra work he was putting in before tip-off — already dripping with sweat 45 minutes before game time — turned out to be a preview of what was coming.

The win was also notable context: Duren had spent much of the offseason as an active trade rumor before ultimately re-signing with Detroit on a deal reported to be worth around $200 million. He answered that noise in the loudest possible way in Game 1.

Then came Game 2. The Pistons traveled to Miami and were rolling early before Duren grabbed his right leg late in the second quarter after driving to the basket and immediately exited the game. He finished with just 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 minutes against the Heat in a 128-111 Detroit win — the team's second straight, securing a 2-0 start — but the injury concern loomed larger than the result. The Pistons also lost Ausar Thompson in the same game, leaving their injury situation worth monitoring heading into the week ahead.

Wiseman Lands in New York — and Finally Gets on the Court

James Wiseman's path to the Knicks' opening-week roster wasn't smooth, but he got there. New York waived veteran Bruce Brown on October 17 to clear the final roster spot for Wiseman, the former No. 2 overall pick. Head coach Mike Brown was candid about the decision, citing Wiseman's age — 25 — as a factor in choosing long-term upside over a proven veteran contributor.

Wiseman was a DNP in the Knicks' opener against the 76ers on October 20. He made his season debut two days later against the Celtics on October 23, logging 2 minutes with a +4 plus/minus in a 107-103 New York loss. It's a third-string role behind Karl-Anthony Towns for now, but Wiseman is on an NBA roster — and playing — after what has been an injury-riddled few seasons.

The Knicks have already been floated as a potential trade suitor for additional big-man depth by the deadline, which could complicate Wiseman's standing, but for this week he's in the rotation and his roster spot is secure.

Around the Rest of the Tigers

Precious Achiuwa had the most productive stretch of any other Memphis alum, posting 15 points and 5 rebounds in 28 minutes for Sacramento against the Clippers on Thursday, then following with 14 points and 6 boards in 24 minutes against Portland on Saturday — though the Kings lost both games.

Josh Minott saw spot minutes for Brooklyn in two games, combining for 4 points in 9 minutes of action Saturday against Cleveland. David Jones logged 2 points and a single minute for San Antonio in a loss to Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

It was Duren's week — and even an injury couldn't fully overshadow what he started it with.

The most talked-about contract standoff of the 2026 NBA offseason finally has a resolution — and a Memphis alumnus at the center of it.

Jalen Duren, the All-Star center out of Memphis, inked a five-year, $200 million extension with the Detroit Pistons just days before the preseason opened, putting an end to a months-long public stalemate that tested the relationship between player and franchise. The deal makes Duren a cornerstone of Detroit's rebuild alongside Cade Cunningham — but the road to get there was anything but smooth.

The Standoff

Negotiations reportedly turned contentious when Pistons brass characterized Duren internally as the fourth-best player on the team — a framing that Duren took serious issue with, according to Bleacher Report. The two sides exchanged metaphorical haymakers throughout the summer, with trade rumors swirling and speculation mounting that the relationship was beyond repair. The Pistons, meanwhile, were reportedly exploring blockbuster alternatives, pursuing names like Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard in the trade market before ultimately circling back to Duren.

An NBA scout told Sports Illustrated that Detroit was right to hold its ground on the $200 million offer, suggesting the team had leverage and a clear-eyed read on Duren's market value as a restricted free agent.

Duren's Response

Once the deal was done, Duren didn't stay quiet. He pushed back hard on the narrative that had built up around the negotiations, calling out what he described as "false" rumors and blaming NBA media for amplifying tensions that he insists were never as dire as reported. He told reporters he never wanted out of Detroit and doesn't regret how the process played out.

His first public comments post-signing were notably self-aware — describing it as a "humbling" moment and signaling a commitment to fixing what didn't work in his game last season. Whether Detroit fans are buying it is another matter. Per Sports Illustrated, Pistons supporters remain lukewarm on Duren despite the extension, with the prolonged drama having chipped away at goodwill heading into the new season.

Draymond Green, never one to stay on the sideline of a conversation, offered public support for Duren on his podcast, praising the young center for getting paid what he believes he deserves.

Other Tigers in the League

Two other Memphis alumni are generating buzz as the preseason tips off.

James Wiseman, now with the New York Knicks, made an immediate impression in his preseason debut — enough that Sports Illustrated reported he's already reshaping the Knicks' entire outlook at the center position. A Knicks insider did temper expectations somewhat, noting that an unexpected internal option may be favored over Wiseman for a final roster spot, per Heavy Sports.

Josh Minott of the Brooklyn Nets, meanwhile, signed a contract extension after a breakout stretch last season split between the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn. The former second-round pick appears to have secured a long-term role with the Nets, according to ClutchPoints.

Memphis produced some of the NBA's most physically gifted big men, and this week served as a reminder — for better or worse — that their alumni don't go quietly.