Detroit Pistons need more from Andre Drummond to take the next step

Detroit Pistons’ center Andre Drummond hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts. If his play doesn’t ascend like many have projected, the Pistons will fail to reach the goals they’ve set for themselves.

Andre Drummond had a measly game for the Detroit Pistons against the Brooklyn Nets.

He had six points on 3-of-9 shooting and just six rebounds after being benched for most of the second half.

His energy level on both ends left a lot to be desired.

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Simply put, he can’t have games like that. Not after signing the $120 million extension he signed this offseason.

As bad as he played on both sides of the ball against Brooklyn, there were some encouraging signs in his play, albeit not very many.

During Wednesday night’s game, Drummond displayed some good passing vision, collecting four assists on drive and kick outs.

That’s something Drummond has flashed at times the last two seasons, but hasn’t done consistent enough.

Then again, that’s really been the problem for the 23 year old over his career–consistency.

At times, Drummond looks unguardable on offense, and impenetrable on defense. He’s looked like an unstoppable low post presence, impossible to keep off the boards, and he’s looked like a great defender with highlight blocks and savvy defensive awareness on passing lanes and one-on-one situations.

Drummond will get there. He works too hard and has too much talent not to be a dominant force, barring injury.

But if the Pistons hope to take that next step this season, they need to position themselves during the regular season to avoid playing top Eastern Conference teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors so early in the playoffs.

For the Pistons to avoid a seventh or eighth seed–particularly with Reggie Jackson out until mid-December–Drummond needs to be that consistent presence on the floor.

Part of that process process for Drummond is playing with consistent energy. There are always going to be tough shooting nights and difficult defensive assignments, but playing with a lack of desire is completely inexcusable.

The Pistons have gotten significant contributions from Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris this season. Their bench has unequivocally improved from a season ago. Now they need their most critical piece to step up.

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Detroit Pistons need more from Andre Drummond to take next step

By Braden Shackelford | Nov 5, 2016

Detroit Pistons’ center Andre Drummond hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts. If his play doesn’t ascend like many have projected, the Pistons will fail to reach the goals they’ve set for themselves.