Detroit Pistons: Andre Drummond Is The Next Dwight Howard
Showing Signs
Again, three games is a minuscule sample size, but the Pistons have got to feel optimistic about what they’ve seen out of Drummond so far in 2015-16. On a roster that fits Van Gundy’s preferred playing style to a tee, the Pistons have thrived surrounding their big man with four perimeter shooters to open up space for him in the paint.
So far, Drummond is averaging 18.7 points, 16.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. He’s only shooting 41.3 percent from the floor, but he’s “improved” his free throw percentage to a more manageable 58.1 percent after posting an atrocious 38.9 mark last season. Either way, the cornerstone potential for this 22-year-old is readily apparent three games into the season.
On the one hand, it’s slightly worrisome that Drummond’s field goal percentage so far this season — and last season’s 51.4 percent — is considerably lower than the 60-plus percent he was shooting before Van Gundy rolled into town. But Drummond has also increased his shot attempts per game from 5.7 as a rookie to 9.5 in 2013-14 to 11.7 last season to 15.3 so far this year.
In his season debut, Drummond slapped up an 18-19 double-double. In his latest game against the Bulls, he notched a monster 20-20 game. He’s posted exactly two blocks in every single game, he’s leading the league in rebounding and he’s been playing at a superstar level.
At this point in time, Drummond appears to be on the right path to becoming a two-way monster of Orlando Magic Dwight Howard’s caliber.
Wish I had pulled the trigger on a Drummond/All-Star prediction. Got cold feed. He's been a monster.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) October 31, 2015
Next: Comparing The Stats