Jalen Duren, Pistons C, misses out on 2026 NBA Most Improved Player

After a breakout season, Jalen Duren was acknowledged by awards voters on Friday, April 24.

The Detroit Pistons' star center missed out in the Most Improved Player race, the league announced. He fell short of becoming the first player in Pistons history to win the award, despite averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 28.2 minutes a game this season. Those averages were up from last season's marks of 11.8, 10.3 and 26.1, respectively.

Atlanta Hawks wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, won the award, announced by 2011 winner Kevin Love on Friday night, and Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija was also a finalist.

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren dunks against Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

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Duren was the second-leading scorer for a 60-22 Pistons team that clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time in nearly two decades. Duren earned All-Star honors for the first time, alongside , marking the first time since 2007-08 the Pistons had multiple players in the league's marquee game.