Re-grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 28: (L-R) Anthony Davis, head coach John Calipari and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of the Kentucky Wildcats pose during the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at Prudential Center on June 28, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 22: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Miami Heat during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida, Grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft: 9. Andre Drummond – B+

Andre Drummond has been one of the more polarizing players of recent times. On one hand, his stats from his time with the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers make him look like a top big man in the game. On the other, the more you watch Drummond and the way he plays, you begin to see that his stats can be a little deceiving.

While he has recently been a better fit coming of the bench for the Philadelphia 76ers and starting for the Brooklyn Nets, when he was in his prime for Detroit and Cleveland, he was a detriment more than a positive a lot of the time. That being said, however, there was a time in Drummond’s career when he was actually a very solid player.

Thus far in his career, Drummond has averaged 13.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, while shooting 53 percent from the field. Again, very solid stats, but Drummond’s later stints in Detroit and Cleveland really showed how deceiving those stats can be.

If Drummond can continue his role as a bench/fringe starting center for the rest of his career while playing to win as opposed to put up stats, he will have carved out a very solid career for himself. It’s just a matter of if he is willing to do this. So far, however, it seems as if he is ready to make that commitment.