-
Andre Drummond – Detroit Pistons
Age: 23
2015-16 Per Game Averages: 16.2 points, 14.8 rebounds, 4.9 offensive rebounds, 1.4 blocks.
Career Per Game Averages: 13.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, 4.7 offensive rebounds, 1.6 blocks.
Andre Drummond is the best rebounder in the NBA.
With an average of 14.8 per game last year, Drummond showed that his mix of athleticism, strength and verticality makes him almost unstoppable on the glass. Rebounding is one of the cornerstones of the position and Drummond can do it and then some. He is one, if not the best in the league at getting second chance points and when the Pistons miss shots, it is almost like a pass to their big. Drummond hit the 20-rebound mark nine times last year and five of those were accompanied by 20 or more points.
Elsewhere in his game, though, the 23-year-old is a bit raw. His offense is improving but is still somewhat reliant on dunks and lobs from Reggie Jackson. His low-post offense is improving and should be a weapon going forward but, for now, it is not particularly special. In terms of range, well, Drummond has none. He is not a jump shooter by any stretch of the imagination and mid-range jump shots and three-pointers are not something he should be trying.
On the defensive end, Drummond seems relatively solid at first. He has the strength to hold his own on the interior defense and, at a career average of 1.6 blocks, he is fairly effective at erasing opposition shots. However, Drummond’s rim protection is actually not good at all, as Zach Harper of CBS Sports says:
“Maybe this surprises people but Andre Drummond, despite his size and athleticism, is a poor rim protector. Just about every metric available paints him in that light. He doesn’t save points, he doesn’t protect the rim well, and the Pistons end up giving up more attempts in the restricted area when he’s on the floor than when he’s on the bench.”
Again, this is not something that will doom Drummond. The big man has the potential to improve on both ends and, at the very least, Stan van Gundy should be able to mould him into a defensive presence.
But despite a skillset that remains somewhat raw and unrefined, Andre Drummond is a top 5 center in the league. He is the league’s best glass-eater and that is invaluable, especially when he salvages so many offensive possessions, turning missed shots into second chance points. Drummond has the potential to become a truly elite center with a truly elite athletic package and, even at 23-years-old, he is already a star in this league.
If you disagree, take it up with his Piston teammate Spencer Dinwiddie.
Next: No. 4