Acting as a professional North Carolina local blogger for Vibe NC, write an engaging article based on the following content: It’s been nearly four years since the Charlotte Hornets shipped Jalen Duren to the Detroit Pistons on draft night. For a long time, that decision looked like a franchise‑altering mistake. But after Duren’s latest postseason struggles, Hornets fans might not be lamenting on it the same way.Back then, Mitch Kupchak and the Hornets front office believed Mark Williams was the better long‑term fit. They saw an opportunity to collect assets and land their preferred center. In their opinion, this move on paper was a slam dunk. Now, the Hornets have been starting Moussa Diabate—who’s been an important piece in this season’s turnaround—and rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner.Fast forward to 2026, and Duren has blossomed into an All‑Star, a Most Improved Player finalist, and a legitimate All‑NBA candidate. His regular season was dominant. But once the playoffs arrived, everything slowed down.Duren hasn’t delivered under postseason pressureThrough two losses to Orlando, Duren has been held to just eight points in each game. He’s struggled with turnovers, and he fouled out in his most recent appearance.Wendell Carter Jr. deserves a ton of credit, as he’s smothered Duren all series. Orlando has also packed the paint, forcing Detroit’s young big man into uncomfortable decisions and limiting his impact around the rim.If the Pistons bow out in the first round in an….
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Do not mention being an AI.
