Andre Drummond will make an impact for the Chicago Bulls next season
Andre Drummond’s impact for the Chicago Bulls next season: Points in the paint
On February 24th, 1967, Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers scored 42 points in a win against the Baltimore Bullets. Given that Chamberlain owns more records than any other player in NBA history, a 42-point outing during his career would seem unworthy of headlines.
The significant factor about this game, however, is not the number of points he scored but the manner in which he did it. “Wilt the Stilt” was perfect from the floor that night, shooting 18-for-18 from the field. The performance still stands as the most points scored by a player without missing a single shot attempt.
Although Andre Drummond will never be the first option on offense the way Chamberlain was, he has proven that he can provide an interior scoring threat when called upon. Twice in his career, he has shot above 60 percent over the course of a season; his career field goal percentage of 54 percent is respectable for a big man.
During stints in Detroit and Cleveland, Drummond averaged over 17 points per game in two different seasons. While he certainly won’t get enough touches to produce those types of numbers in Chicago, he is a dependable finisher who will make defenses pay if they let him get the ball too close to the basket.
The significance of Drummond’s ability to finish inside is that it takes pressure off of Chicago’s Big 3. Vučević plays the same position as Drummond, but there will undoubtedly be times when they are on the floor together.
That’s because “Vooch” is more than capable of shooting from the perimeter and is a reliable passer. If opposing defenses decide to double team him, he can drop the ball off to Drummond, who will be sure to throw down one of his signature two-hand slams.
Conversely, when Vučević is not in the game, LaVine and DeRozan can make big men pay for switching on screens. Dumping the ball down low to Drummond when he is covered by a guard because of a switch is sure to result in “bully ball” and an easy two points for the Bulls.