Power ranking the 2018-19 Detroit Pistons: Who tops the list?

#1 Andre Drummond

Without further ado, I present the best player on the Detroit Pistons’ 2018-19 roster: Andre Drummond.

To me, the debate between Blake Griffin and Drummond was close, but I gave the edge to Drummond for one reason: defense.

I know this might set some fans on edge, as I often see fans criticizing Drummond’s defense on the internet. Many seem to be frustrated by his apparent lack of aggression.

However, I would posit an argument that he has actually been a pretty solid defensive anchor these last few years. The Pistons were the 11th ranked defense in the NBA the last two seasons, and that success can largely be credited to Drummond.

Many fans want to see him chasing more blocks, but I don’t think it’s that simple. I believe that if Drummond went after more blocks, as some fans wished he would, then that would leave the rim completely unprotected, as he is usually the only rim-protector on the floor.

Aside from defense, the rest of his resume speaks for himself. He’s a walking double-double who is a threat to pull off a 20-20 game every single night. Drummond is undoubtedly the best rebounder in the league, and he has improved his offensive play-making each season.

This past year, we saw the emergence of Drummond as a passer, regularly initiating the offense from the high post. I expect him and Griffin to rotate in that position, allowing one to station on the elbow, and the other to stay underneath the basket.

While it was close between Griffin and Drummond at the top of this list, I fully expect big seasons from both players.

But for Drummond, at age 25, this could be where he evolves from a fringe All-Star to a dominant force in this league.

And hey, we might even see Drummond netting some three-pointers this year if we’re lucky.