Comparing Andre Drummond and Steven Adams’ fit with the Atlanta Hawks

Comparing centers Andre Drummond and Steven Adams and seeing who would be a better for fit for the Atlanta Hawks.

The NBA trade deadline is just a few weeks away, and it’s shaping up to be a busy one for the Atlanta Hawks.

They have been tied centers Andre Drummond and Steven Adams in various rumors thus far, and earlier today, Ian Begley reported that the belief is that the Hawks have more interest in Adams.

Both would fill the Hawks’ biggest needs in rebounding and defense, while also bringing a nice veteran presence to the team. They’re both 26 at the moment, and would likely draw about the same return on the trade market.

Here we’ll be comparing the two’s prospective fits in the ATL, and seeing who would make the most sense.

Drummond:

The former 9th overall pick has spent his entire career in Detroit, garnering much more individual success (2X All-Star, 3X Rebound champion) than team success (two playoff appearances in seven years, got swept in both).

That’s not exactly fair, as the Pistons have done a pretty awful job surrounding him with talent besides the Blake Griffin acquisition, who has been hurt more often than not of late.

He’s currently averaging a career-best 16.2 rebounds per game, which currently leads the league. The 6-10 Drummond is a beast on the boards, easily among the best rebounders of our generation.

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Dre is good defensively, although not quite top tier, but would still instantly become the Hawks’ best defender.

He’s made strides throughout his career as a scorer, and he’s averaging a career high in field goal attempts as well. Drummond gets most of his scoring done off of lobs and put backs, he isn’t much of a shot creator. He’s recently tried to add a three-point ball to his arsenal with little success.

Adams:

Steven Adams hasn’t put up the same type of numbers Drummond has had, and has failed to make an All-Star team in his 7 years.

Still, Adams is a fan favorite for a reason. He plays strong, old school basketball with a very new school look.

He’s not as tough on the boards as Drummond, although he is averaging a career high in that regard without Russell Westbrook chasing triple-doubles.

Offensively, Adams is a career 59% shooter, and is averaging 61% this year. He’s not one to make his own shot either, but can hold his own on the paint from time to time.

He is a tough defender who bruises his opponents down on each possession, making each bucket a challenge. Adams’ motor is extremely high, never one to take a game or even possession off.

The Verdict:

Personally, I think Andre Drummond is the better player, but I could see why fans would want Adams over him.

Both would be the help the Hawks desperately need in the rebounding and defense departments, and likely be better scorers than any other center on the Atlanta roster.

Drummond is a free agent (with a player option) in a few months, while Adams is fully under contract for one more year, so I’m sure Atlanta would want to make sure they could re-sign him before pulling the trigger.

Both would be stellar additions, and if the report tweeted above is true, the Hawks could be honing in on Adams.

Keep it here for more updates throughout trade season.