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Detroit Pistons: Way-too-early starting lineup projections

By Brenden Welper

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 1: Blake Griffin #23 and Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons high five during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 1: Blake Griffin #23 and Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons high five during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Projected center: Andre Drummond

DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 23: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons goes to the basket against the Boston Celtics on February 23, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 23: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons goes to the basket against the Boston Celtics on February 23, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The longest-tenured Piston also happens to be the backbone of this franchise.

Andre Drummond is entering his seventh season in the Motor City. If his fellow starters remain healthy, this will arguably be the most-talented team he’s ever been a part of.

Drummond took his game to new heights last season, including: a career-high and league-best 16.0 rebounds per game, career-high 3.0 assists per game, while increasing his free-throw shooting 21 percentage points.

There is still room for improvement, and it appears that the 24-year-old is well aware it.

https://twitter.com/fanaticsview/status/1010121323597754369

Knocking down 3-pointers in practice is very different from knocking them down in a game. But Drummond’s willingness to work on his weaknesses (especially in the last two years) is a welcoming sign.

Next: Pistons free-agent targets: Wayne Ellington

The big man rounds out my predicted starting lineup for next season. I’ll update my projections as the summer goes on.

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