Detroit Pistons Roster Analysis: Centers
With training camp and preseason just around the corner, it’s a good time to evaluate where the Detroit Pistons roster is sitting before we see Stan Van Gundy trim his roster down to 15 players.
See also:
Detroit Pistons Roster Analysis: Point Guards
Detroit Pistons Roster Analysis: Small Forwards
WHO: Andre Drummond, Aron Baynes, Joel Anthony, Jordan Bachynski
STARTER: Andre Drummond
GRADES:
Andre Drummond is the face of the Pistons’ future. In Stan Van Gundy’s first season coaching Detroit, Drummond posted his highest usage percentage. Drummond is the “in” in SVG’s preferred four-out (four perimeter shooters), one-in offensive system.
As a player, Drummond is very polarizing. The things he is good at – offensive rebounding, dunking and blocking shots – he is really good at, but the things he does not do very well – free throw shooting, shooting outside of three feet from the basket and being patient on defense – he does terribly; there is not much gray area with his game.
After sharing the paint with less than ideal frontcourt mates his first three seasons, 2015-16 will be the first Drummond is going to be the focal point of Van Gundy’s pick-and-roll heavy offense. Surrounded by shooters, it should open up the paint for his rolls to the basket and post ups.
Despite his flaws, Andre Drummond stands out amongst his peers. Detroit receives an A for having Andre Drummond as its starting center going into the season.
BENCH: Aron Baynes, Joel Anthony, Jordan Bachynski
If you are going to “overpay” to secure a player, there is probably no better option than overpaying for a rotation player of the San Antonio Spurs. That is exactly what Detroit did. Spurs players are a part of a winning environment, aren’t physically taxed because of Coach Greg Popovich limiting his players’ minutes and are accustomed to playing and sticking to a role and game plan.
Baynes’ role will be as the backup center. He was acquired to spell Andre Drummond and to be a reliable free throw shooter when Hack-a-Dre tactics are incorporated in late game situations.
Joel Anthony was re-signed over the summer. The defensively competent, offensively void Anthony will be the third stringer and may see more nights dressed in street clothes than a jersey. He is mostly a “break glass in case of emergency” player.
Jordan Bachynski is the newest, and last permissible, camp body to sign with the Pistons. Bachysnski split last season between Europe and the D-League. He also played summer league ball with Toronto and Orlando.
Saying he is on the roster bubble is generous. Even if tragedy strikes, it is likely he will be cut before the beginning of the season.
All-in-all, the Pistons will be paying $9 million next season between two players who probably should not (Aron Baynes) and definitely cannot (Joel Anthony) play with the guy they will be primarily backing up. That is a lot of money for approximately 15 minutes per game.
The fit is fine, but the price is certainly costly. Detroit receives a C at backup center going into the season.
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