Detroit Pistons: Midseason team awards for 2018-19
By Amaar Burton
Most Improved Player: Andre Drummond
It might seem like Andre Drummond has been with the Pistons longer than his seven seasons and that he’s older than his 25 years, but there is still room for improvement for a two-time All-Star and All-NBA pick who is already one of the best centers in the league.
This season, Drummond is scoring a career-high 16.7 points per game, and he has at least tried to expand his shooting range — although he’s only made four of his career-high 28 attempts from 3-point range.
ICYMI - Detroit Pistons: Is Andre Drummond the NBA's best 'true' center? https://t.co/3WrpksVxqq -- @Amaar_206 via @HoopsHabit
— HoopsHabit (@HoopsHabit) January 10, 2019
Drummond set a preseason goal of averaging at least 2.0 blocks, which would be a career-best, and through Thursday’s schedule he’s swatting 1.8 shots per game.
He’s also on pace to lead the NBA in rebounding for the third time (14.9 rebounds per game) and on pace to lead all NBA centers in steals for the third year in a row (1.6 steals per game).
Last season, Drummond had seven games in which he posted at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. At the midway point this season, he already has six 20-20 games, so he’s on pace to set a career-high in that department as well.