NBA Power Rankings: All 30 Starting Centers
By Shane Young
11. Andre Drummond — Detroit Pistons
This could draw a world of onslaught and harsh criticism. Drummond would rarely ever be this high in any center rankings, and definitely wouldn’t be if Detroit hadn’t underwent huge management changes this summer.
Drummond’s third year in the league will be filtered with the same type of effect that DeAndre Jordan has already experienced. That’s receiving a new head coach, and one that truthfully knows how to operate a team and find playoff success.
More than just playoff sightseeing, Van Gundy brings something that will directly help the young kids that just turned 21 years old. Who has Van Gundy had positive regular season runs with? He only grew to become the No. 1 center on this list, and that won’t be revealed. But, this coach has figured out a way to make a dominant frontcourt operate before, and he’ll want to try the same in Mo-town. Will it be harder? Absolutely, without question, because something tells us all that Josh Smith doesn’t want to listen.
Drummond was second in rebounding last season, only to Jordan’s 13.6 per game. Playing with Team USA has given the youngster a chance to go up against the greatest scoring talents (excluding a few) that the game has on the table, so I’d be completely stunned if he hasn’t picked up any defensive — and offensive tools to help him stand out and reach an 18-point, 13 rebound level for the Pistons, on a nightly basis.
During the shorter month of April last season, Drummond was on a rampage. He scored 18.4 points per game, grabbed 17.4 boards, and scored at a 64.2 percent efficiency. Unfortunately for the Pistons, it only resulted in a 2-8 record for the month, and they weren’t able to lock a playoff spot.
Normally, we dive into free throw shooting with centers that have massive hands. This time, however, the pool of vomit is preventing me from saying another word.
