Comparing Ben Simmons and Jalen Duren Head to Head

Few NBA comparisons generate more debate than Ben Simmons vs Jalen Duren. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Jalen Duren takes 5 categories while Ben Simmons claims 3, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the PG position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Ben Simmons's Assists Per Game of 7.2 compared to Jalen Duren's 2.1 represents a 242.9% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. Jalen Duren falls 63.8% below the career average of 5.8 in this category while Ben Simmons exceeds it. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Ben Simmons's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Points Per Game, where Ben Simmons posts 13.1 against Jalen Duren's 13.5 — a gap of just 3.1%. Ben Simmons can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 5-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Points Per Game is the statistical ammunition for the Ben Simmons side.

In NBA history, backcourt players are judged on their ability to create offense for themselves and teammates alike. Points per game captures scoring but assists and efficiency metrics reveal the complete offensive picture.

The verdict favors Jalen Duren — 5 categories to 3 — but Ben Simmons makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Ben Simmons has real statistical ammunition particularly in Points Per Game where the gap narrows to just 3.1%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.