On the surface, Andre Drummond’s numbers during his one-and-done seasonat the University of Connecticut didn’t light the world on fire; 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game. However, his high conversion rate near the rim raised eyeballs among the NBA’s scouting and talent evaluation community.
People like to point out the deficiencies in Andre Drummonds game, and there are a few of those. They say he doesnt have many low post moves aside from a jump hook over the left shoulder, and that he struggles at the free throw line. But, hey, nobody is perfect.
Since being drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the 9th overall pick after his freshman season at the University of Connecticut, the 6-foot-11, 280-pound specimen with crazy hops is now as intimidating a physical specimen as there is in the NBA today.
He made an immediate impact for the Pistons on the defensive end in his rookie season, averaging close to two blocks and a steal per game while splitting time at center with Greg Monroe. He shot 60 percent from the field in his first season. Yes, his efforts at the charity stripe are at times painful to watch, but you simply cant front on someone who shoots that high of a percentage from the field.
As his playing time has increased, so have his numbers: 13.5 points and 13.2 rebounds in his second season, 13.8 points and 13.5 rebounds the following year, and a monstrous 17 points and 15 rebounds this season are demonstrative of his dominance.
This year’s All-Star game will his first, as the young man seems to bringing back the aesthtic of the ols-school low post presence.
What do you want from your big man? I want rebounding, a high field goal percentage and maximum effort on the defensive end.
You can keep most of today’s NBA centers, who make a living behind the arc and shy away from contact. Ill take Drummond.
With NBA commissioner Adam Silver alluding to the coming changes regarding the Hack-A-Shaq, a current strategy that has drawn criticism from coaches and players fromaround the league, Andre Drummonds usage rate is sure to skyrocket.
Is a 20-point and 17-rebound season average on the horizon for him at some point in the near future?
Like the rising sun, my good people, like the rising sun.
