Detroit Pistons: Keys to Sustaining Stunning Turnaround

Developing the Twin Towers

With Josh Smith in the rotation, the Detroit Pistons struggled to develop center Andre Drummond and power forward Greg Monroe. Whether or not they thrive alongside one another, the opportunity was rarely afforded without Smith being placed out of position.

Over the past five games, Drummond and Monroe have flashed their collective upside without the previous restraints.

In that stretch, Drummond is averaging 15.0 points, 15.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.8 steals per game. He’s shooting 62.7 percent from the field and is becoming a pick-and-roll weapon for Stan Van Gundy.

Free throws are still an issue, but that hasn’t slowed Detroit down just yet.

As for Monroe, he’s posted 12.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals since Smith’s departure. He’s shooting 43.1 percent from the field, but that’s a product of one dreadful game—not the full five outings.

Monroe has three double-doubles and two games above 60.0 percent shooting in that time. He also recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds in just 22 minutes during a blowout of the New York Knicks.

When a team’s interior players combine to average 27.8 points, 26.0 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game in 58.0 minutes, it usually leads to victories.

Detroit’s No. 1 priority: continuing to develop its interior.

Next: The Wildcard