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Stan Van Gundy talks about Andre Drummond’s camp so far

By Duncan Smith

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 4: Andre Drummond of Team World practices for the 2017 Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa at the Ticketpro Dome on August 4, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 4: Andre Drummond of Team World practices for the 2017 Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa at the Ticketpro Dome on August 4, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Through three training camp practices, Andre Drummond is ahead of schedule. Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy filled the media in.

Late last week Andre Drummond sprained an ankle doing one-on-one work with fellow Detroit Pistons center Eric Moreland. At media day on Monday, Stan Van Gundy stated that he expected Drummond to miss some of the more intense evening practices.

The first such practice, in which the Pistons scrimmage and play five-on-five, featured a surprise appearance from the big man who was good to go after all.

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Stan Van Gundy spoke about Drummond’s practice so far after the second day of training camp.

“He’s fine. He’s done everything so far. He hasn’t missed anything. He’s actually been really really good. His focus has been tremendous. I think more than anybody, he’s really tried to play to his strengths and play to the things we’ve talked about.” Van Gundy continued, “So his focus and his energy have both been outstanding. So far, we’ve only had three practices, but so far he’s been really really good.”

Other than Van Gundy announcing a miraculous cure for Reggie Jackson‘s knee tendinitis, there may be no better news for Pistons fans. Drummond playing playing well with great focus and great energy while not being at full strength bodes well, even if it’s just a scrimmage against his teammates.

Much of what plagues Drummond could be viewed poor strategy on his part. A large portion of his field goal attempts are from outside the 3’ range, where he’s devastating. The majority of his shots are hook shots that have little chance. If he could deviate from those poor habits and focus on his strengths, as Van Gundy suggests, he could be a real problem for opposing teams on the offensive end.

Next: 5 goals for Tobias Harris in 2017-18

Very few people are better than Andre Drummond at the things he’s good at. If he can focus on those things and trim the fat as it sounds like he’s making an effort to do, there may be hope yet.

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