Detroit Pistons: 5 goals for Andre Drummond in 2017-18
4. Focus on defense
The cornerstone of the Detroit Pistons’ success has always relied on defense. Drummond is ready to take a bigger defensive role with the Pistons.
One of the major obstacles in Drummond becoming a defensive force for the Pistons is focus. In the past, Drummond’s lapses in judgment and inconsistency have negatively impacted his usefulness as a defensive threat.
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Drummond needs to become an immovable force under the rim. Too often Drummond allows smaller guards to score on him with little if any opposition from him.
Per Duncan Smith of Piston Powered, the team’s success is undoubtedly connected to Drummond’s outlook, and most importantly, his ability to clog up access to the rim.
"“For Drummond’s greatest success (and thus that of the Detroit Pistons), he’ll need to take responsibility for protecting the rim and be a deterrent for opponents. Last season he neither deterred nor protected, and opposing wings and big men attacked the paint at will particularly when an ineffective Reggie Jackson was on the floor.”"
Head coach Stan Van Gundy seems to think his center has shown improvement on the defensive end this preseason. Van Gundy talked to Michigan Live about Drummond after practice earlier last week.
"“He’s working harder, he’s been a little quicker on his calls. I think he’s putting more into it, I think his defense has been better.”"
Can Drummond overcome his lack of focus to become a defensive force for the Detroit Pistons this season?