Detroit Pistons: Who is the team’s best player?

Final verdict: Blake Griffin

I’m the last person to downplay the significance of defense, rebounding and hustle plays on the basketball court — all areas in which Drummond excels. However, only a stubborn, old-school idealist can pretend that scoring isn’t the first place we look when evaluating a basketball player.

It’s like arguing on behalf of edge rushers or offensive linemen as the most important position on the football field — for which you can make valid arguments — but knowing all along that quarterbacks get the spotlight first and foremost.

Griffin is the Pistons’ top scorer, and that holds a lot of weight in this debate. From what we’ve heard from coach Dwane Casey, he may also take on a role as the team’s top playmaker.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that when Casey talks about his new team in interviews, Griffin is most often the first player he mentions. Griffin is the player he seems most excited to work with. Casey appears to want him to be the focal point of Detroit’s offense.

They say offense wins games, while defense wins championships. Well, you can add on to the old saying that points win prestige, and touches earn top billing.

Thanks to his status as the go-to scorer, along with his playoff experience and lengthier resume, Griffin deserves to be called the Pistons’ best player.

If it’s any consolation for Drummond, though, he is rated an 87 overall on the NBA 2K19 video game. Griffin got an 85 rating.