NBA Player Power Rankings: Rested LeBron James Thriving

Dec 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the New Orleans Pelicans during overtime of a game at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 114-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 7, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) goes up for a shot over Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Hairston (19) during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
Last Rank: No. 8
Position: Center
Age: 22
Slash Line: .528/.000/.372
Season Averages: 34.5 MPG, 18.0 PPG, 16.7 RPG, 5.5 ORPG, 2.0 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Andre Drummond has 20 double-doubles in 23 games played and 21 games with at least 10 rebounds. The 22-year-old still can’t hit his free throws, but he’s well on his way to genuine NBA stardom with how well he’s played thus far.

This past week further solidified his star status.

Drummond opened the week with 17 points and 23 rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks, and closed it with 18 points and 19 rebounds versus the Memphis Grizzlies. He struggled with foul trouble at the Charlotte Hornets, but tallied 18 points and 15 rebounds in 24 minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers.

If not for a Matt Barnes game-winner with 1.1 seconds left on the clock, Drummond would’ve led the Pistons to three wins in four games.

Drummond’s development has been impressive for reasons that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. His offensive fundamentals have vastly improved, which is a major reason why he’s emerged as a consistent scoring threat.

It’s never easy to lose on a buzzer-beater, but Drummond and the Pistons are on pace to have a breakout season.

Next: Righting the Ship