Detroit Pistons open thread: I’m excited about Andre Drummond

Andre Drummond has me excited about the Detroit Pistons this season. I think all fans of this team should feel the same way as well.

Let’s talk about Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond.

This man has me excited to watch the team play basketball this season. Call me a homer or a slappy. I prefer either.

Whether it’s the videos we’ve seen all summer of him hoisting up three-pointers or his comments from media day yesterday, I’m excited.

Let me be very clear. I’ve been a very big critic of Drummond over the last few seasons. I will own that. However, it’s time to go to bat for him.

He’s put in the work. One of my biggest criticisms of Drummond was his work ethic early on in his career. There were times where it didn’t seem like he was giving 100 percent effort on the court.

Last season, I really began to notice a difference in his game for the better.

The numbers prove that he is getting better. Last season, Drummond set a career highs in rebounds, assists, and free throw percentage.

Those are all great things. Being able to knock down free throws helped him stay on the floor to help his team late in games. In year’s past, opposing teams would intentionally foul him down the stretch of games to try and get back in it.

That no longer is an option.

Former Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy would have to take him off the floor, leaving a big hole around the rim.

With Reggie Jackson out and a trade for Blake Griffin that changed up the roster last season, Drummond really had no other choice but to become a leader for this team.

He’s taking that role much more personally now. Drummond talked about some new goals that he has set for himself at media day yesterday.

One of those goals was focused on the defensive end of the floor. Drummond wants to be one of the best shot blockers in the game this coming season. He explained that he has the skill set to accomplish this.

I’m issuing a notice to the rest of the league: If you’re not going to respect Drummond from the perimeter, he will shoot the ball. It’s something he’s clearly worked on as well.

His attitude is also what has me excited about the upcoming season. According to Drummond, the time is now for this group of players. He believes there isn’t any reason the Detroit Pistons can’t be one of the top teams in the east or the entire league.

Drummond also talked very highly about new head coach Dwane Casey and how he’s letting guys play freely but under structure. That was a common theme among a lot of the players that spoke yesterday at media day.

What Drummond has accomplished, the goals he has set for himself, and the amount of confidence he has in the Detroit Pistons to succeed now is everything I need as a fan of this team.

I think the rest of the fan base should feel the same way. His doubters could be in for a very big surprise this year.