With a pivotal year for both Andre Drummond and the Detroit Pistons looming, these are five goals he can set that ensure both individual and team success.
Originally drafted with the 9th overall pick of the 2012 Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Andre Drummond‘s career can be summed up with a brief “meh.” He’s undoubtedly one of the best centers in the game, but it has yet to translate to his team’s success.
Now entering a pivotal year for the Pistons as a franchise, this big man needs to set his sights on being a better version of himself.
Some marks he should aim to hit, as Detroit prepares for a push to the postseason.
1. Shoot 50 percent from the free throw line
This is without a doubt, the biggest flaw to Drummond’s game. Due to his inability to convert free throws (38 percent career shooter), he’s been given limited minutes in crunch time.
It’s too easy for teams to foul Drummond, knowing very well he’ll miss at least one shot at the line, and fast forward to their own possession. This much can be said for the Pistons’ franchise player: he’s trying.
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In the one preseason game he’s appeared in, Drummond shot 6-of-8 from the free throw line. He didn’t shoot that high a percentage once last year in any game where attempted a minimum of five from the line.
It’s his biggest crutch, and the Detroit Pistons’ true Achilles’ heel. If Drummond can manage to shoot at least 50 percent of his free throws (and I’m reaching), there will be an obvious improvement to this team’s win opportunities.
2. Lead the league in rebounding
Drummond was second on the NBA’s rebounding leader board last season, falling behind the Miami’s Hassan Whiteside. He fell off his throne from 2016, as he then led the league with 14.8 rebounds per game.
With more offensive outlets being introduced to this Pistons lineup, it’d be nice to see him take more to his strengths this season.
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Now, Drummond was only 0.4 rebounds per game away from leading the league last season, and he did lead the league in offensive, defensive and total rebounding percentage. That’s a minor improvement on his end, and a minor setback for Whiteside to put him up top.
The Pistons would love to say their home to the league’s leading rebounder. Especially if it means more offensive opportunities for other guys. This a bold outcome if true, though definitely within reach for Drummond.
3. Make 5 three-pointers
As the league continues to evolve, many fear that the center position is going extinct. Some have chosen to adapt to the new NBA, which means shooting three-pointers.
Drummond however, has only connected on five shots from deep his entire career. Though it’s notable that two of them were last year. Maybe the big guy is making an attempt.
Shooting a couple more three-pointers will prove to not only the Pistons’ coaching staff, but to the league alike that he’s capable of evolving his game.
4. Maintain his healthy streak
Say what you want about Drummond, but I’ll tell you one thing. He’s the healthiest big man in the game. In the last four seasons, the 26-year old center has missed a total of three games.
Personally, I can’t think of one player who’s achieved such a feat in today’s NBA- where players are resting simply due to headaches, or cramps in their feet. It’s arguably the most impressive aspect to his five year career thus far.
Detroit’s playoff chances are slim as is, even in a weakened Eastern Conference. Drummond appearing for all but one game next season will keep those hopes alive.
5. Don’t get traded
This coincides with the previous bullet, but Drummond was rumored heavily in trade talks at last year’s deadline. The Boston Celtics were among his many suitors, and will likely re-inquire at this year’s deadline on the big man’s status.
Improving his game not only individually, but in team play as well, can prevent this seemingly inevitable divorce. In five years with Drummond as the focal point, the Detroit Pistons have made one playoff appearance.
They were shut out 4-0 by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.
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If this franchise player can do just what that title suggests, and lead this franchise back to the postseason, he’ll find himself in a Pistons uniform for years to come.