Detroit Pistons head coach reveals crazy reason behind NBA rookie almost missing Paris game
PISTONS rookie Jalen Duren had coaches up in arms ahead of Detroit's game in Paris - because he lost his passport.
The Detroit youngster, 19, ended a five-game absence as he played 18 minutes of the 126-108 NBA defeat to the Chicago Bulls.
Duren had been struggling with an ankle injury, which has kept him sidelined for much of January.
And it was assumed the knock was why he didn't appear among Pistons staff when they arrived in France on Wednesday.
But it was later revealed the teenager had left his passport in a car he'd booked in to be mended by a mechanic.
He'd turned up to the airport to fly with the team, but was then stuck in the U.S. while the problem was rectified.
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Pistons head coach Dwane Casey explained: "He had [the passport] and left it in a car that he put in the shop.
"As he was going through the process of getting another passport, they found the other passport.
"It is a learning experience as well as a part of being [about] basketball and a part of life, and understanding how important passports are.
"Without having any practice the last two weeks, I thought he came out and gave us everything he had."
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A 13th overall pick, Duren made the most of his limited time on court in the French capital.
He ended the game with 11 points, 12 rebounds, two blocked shots, one assist, and one steal during his 18 minutes.
The Pistons drop to 12-36 after the loss, with Duren's performance this season one of the only bright spots for the organization.
His 344 rebounds lead all rookies and are the third-most through 40 career games in team history.
It was a star-studded night in the stands in Paris, with icons of world sport in attendance.
Magic Johnson, F1 drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, and soccer star Gerard Pique were all courtside for the game.
Coach Casey told reporters: "It is special because we're representing not only Detroit, but the NBA.
"And we're trying to put the brand in a good place - in a place where basketball is taking off."