2. Detroit Pistons Land Jalen Duren

In the modern NBA, rim-running, rim-protecting centers are having their value come into question. Arguably, some critics are overstating their case.

Yes, we live in the three-point era. The pick-and-roll still reigns supreme as a foundational play in your average NBA offense. Five-out spacing is nice, but four-out spacing with a strong vertical threat can be just as effective.

If you didn’t watch much college basketball last season, we’ll fill you in on something: Jalen Duren is a strong vertical threat.

Meanwhile, pairing him with Cade Cunningham ought to pay immediate dividends. The Pistons had a great draft in general, but we won’t praise them for selecting Jaden Ivey with the fifth pick. Armchair GMs across the nation would have done the same on NBA 2K: it was the obvious move.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: Trade Ideas To Save NBA Stars From Souring Situations

Trading a future first-round pick for Duren, on the other hand, was shrewd.