Andre Drummond could return within week

Perry A. Farrell of the Detroit Free Press:

"The news also was good concerning Drummond, who suffered a stress fracture in the fifth lumbar vertebra in his back. The team designed a brace, and Paolucci said he has progressed to the point where he could be ready to hit the court within a week or so.The original prognosis on Feb. 8 was for Drummond, a center/forward, to be out at least four to six weeks."

The Pistons have been difficult to watch while Andre Drummond has been out, but they’re improving their lottery position. Drummond makes this team better right now, and while I want to see a better product on the floor, I have the patience to realize more losses this season are helpful.

More importantly, the Pistons should wait until Drummond is completely healthy for no other reason than he’s essential to Detroit’s future and it’s in the team’s best interest he can play as much as possible in future seasons.