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Detroit Pistons: Quarterly Season Review

By Aaron Ferguson

Oct 30, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) puts his arm around forward Marcus Morris (13) during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win in overtime 98-94. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) puts his arm around forward Marcus Morris (13) during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win in overtime 98-94. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) grabs a rebound during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Centers

The center position has been very fluid this season for the Pistons. Van Gundy can surely know what he will get out of star center Andre Drummond. Backup Aron Baynes has improved as the season has gone on, solidifying himself into the rotation off the bench.

Drummond is becoming a superstar. This became evident through his first six games where he was averaging 19.6 rebounds per game. He is currently leading the league in rebounding with 16.4 rebounds per game. Quite remarkably, he has a steal in all 25 games this season.

Drummond’s defense has been great all season. He has 2.2 defensive win shares and a 2.6 DBPM. He is a good rim protector and has active hands to average 1.6 blocks and 1.9 steals per game. He is also rebounding at a league-best 35.3 percent defensively and also a league-best 25.4 percent overall.

His offensive game is developing with his post moves and his hook shot. Drummond needs to polish these moves to become an elite offensive threat. A lot of his points come off of tip-ins or second chance points where he had good offensive rebounding positioning. Developing a true back-to-the-basket post game will benefit Drummond going forward.

Baynes has played in all 25 games this season and has been solid defensively. He has 0.5 defensive win shares and a 1.8 DBPM. Baynes has blocked 0.6 shots per game in wins, compared to one blocked shot total in 11 losses.

He has been a strong rebounder with a 19.9 defensive rebounding percentage and a 15.5 total rebounding percentage. Baynes has saved possessions by rebounding at a high rate.

His offensive game is coming along as of late. He is averaging 6.5 points per game in the Pistons’ last four games, which is better than his 4.4 points per game season average. He has an effective mid-range jump shot and has had good looks in the post and at the rim.

Overall, the Pistons have had great play out of their two centers. If Baynes can continue to improve, they may be fighting for the best center rotation in the NBA. Drummond’s emergence into a superstar and Baynes’ solid play can be expected to continue.

Centers Position Grade:  A

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