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Detroit Pistons players possibly in the NBA awards chase

By Noah Stump

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 11: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons and Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons talk during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during a pre-season game on October 11, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 11: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons and Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons talk during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during a pre-season game on October 11, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Andre Drummond Detroit Pistons (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Andre Drummond Detroit Pistons (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Andre Drummond – Defensive Player of the Year

This fan base loves so much to talk about Andre Drummond and his effort (or lack thereof) on his defense. I would like to clarify that I do not agree. We all know that Andre owns the boards, he has given us a reincarnation of Dennis Rodman in that way. What most neglect to see, his defensive ability and how it has gotten better every single year.

Andre Drummond finished eighth in the league last year in steals per game, eighth in blocks per game, third in defensive rating, and lastly – first in defensive win shares. He had the fifth highest amount of steals, sixth highest amount of blocks, and in the 2016-17 year, Drummond was first in defensive rating.

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The numbers speak for themselves, there isn’t much more to say on that front. If Andre keeps this up, he puts himself in the talks for Defensive Player of the Year and he has put on a great showing in preseason with 1.0 steals per game and 1.2 blocks per game.

What comes to mind with this award is usually the eye test or shock value of plays, which I personally believe has done Drummond wrong in the past.

Drummond is not one to put a block into the third row or get a steal and finish with an emphatic dunk on the other end. He quietly does his job, night in and out, and puts on a clinic on the boards and sometimes the scoring section.

After calling his own shot for this award and being called out by Detroit rapper, Sada Baby, look for Drummond to make some noise on the defensive end this year, even more than he has in the past when you weren’t looking.

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