The Repurposing of Andre Drummond

How can the Detroit Pistons can restructure Andre Drummond’s role to capitalize on his unique athletic ability? Let’s take a look.

This past season wasn’t all it was supposed to be for the Detroit Pistons. We all know that. Most pundits will agree that it stemmed from Reggie Jackson‘s injury issues. It was also pretty apparent that Andre Drummond suffered mightily because of it.

When Jackson went down due to knee tendinitis, the Pistons were forced to adopt a different style of play than the one-five pick and roll they had all grown accustomed to running. Relying in turn on more ball movement (or lack there of at times), and the one-in, four-out style of play that coach Stan Van Gundy is known for.

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As it turns out, Drummond is perhaps not the center for that style of play. While his numbers did not drop this year from a per-36 minute perspective, teams exploited his weaknesses at an alarming level. His post touches actually garnered less points per possession than his much maligned free throw shooting. You can read more about that from Duncan Smith, here.

There are questions on his motor, his dedication, and his actual skill level on both ends of the court. There are very few questions of his athletic ability. He is a gifted athlete and a supremely talented rebounder. He’s also the highest paid Piston ever, and I doubt Van Gundy is ready to throw the towel in on his raw talent.

Drummond’s production in the post is dreadful, and he has virtually no offensive game outside of five feet. Without scoring ability, it’s worth asking if Drummond’s role in the offense should be repurposed.

Could Andre Drummond mold himself in the image of two of the Detroit Pistons franchise’s most beloved players, Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace? Requiring him to mimic their defensive intensity might be too much to ask, but relying on his incredible rebounding and uncanny eye for steals could be enough to build around.

By limiting his post touches to none and effectively removing him from the offense aside from pick and roll and rim running, the offense would certainly have been much more efficient this year. That was probably on the coaches to figure out.

If his screens are solid, his positioning in the offense is correct and he still chases boards with the same ferocity there should be no reason he can’t still be the centerpiece of this young team. No more post touches. No more offensive sets for him. Zero plays except pick and roll where he is the scoring option. He’s a five-year pro. He will likely never be a skilled scorer.

What’s more likely however, is he will continue to be a top rebounder for some years. In time, he could learn pride and hustle in his defense. He can still get his buckets on offensive rebounds and the pick and roll with Jackson.  Most important is learning to solidify his mental awareness and understanding of the game. I think if he did these things he could and would be one of the most truly effective players in the NBA.

The big man doesn’t need Hakeem Olajuwon‘s moves to be a great center. He does need a fundamental understanding of his own talents though. Funneling his play through them could lead to greater team success. Andre Drummond is a gifted athlete. Time to stop pretending he’s a gifted basketball player, especially on the offensive end.

Nobody said your max player has to be the best scorer or go-to guy on offense. He could be the guy who glues it all together. The heart. The anchor. The best Detroit Pistons teams had one, and this team does not. Those players are beloved in the D.

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It’s not too late for Drummond to join them in a redefined role.