There is no question that Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond has come back this year playing like he has something to prove. He was insistent on how he dedicated himself this offseason to coming bake in better shape with a better mentality.
However, endurance is not the only thing Drummond improved this summer. The 24-year-old former all-star is becoming a more complete player every day.
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Look no further than his stat line Friday night against the Hawks. Drummond flirted with a triple-double, after having six assists at the half, but came up just three shy. The big man must have added court vision to his arsenal this offseason after recording a career-high seven assists. Andre finished with a monstrous stat line, 16 points 20 rebounds seven assists and two blocks.
Drummond’s previous career high for assists came earlier this year against the Lakers on Halloween. This year Drummond has shown great court vision as well as touch on a lot of his passes. That same touch that he seems to have found at the free throw line where he is hitting at a career-high 64%. Drummond hit two HUGE free throws late in Friday’s game, breaking the tie with a little over a minute left. Overall he was 4-6 tonight from the charity stripe.
Drummond is no longer simply a big athletic body who can grab rebounds. He is becoming a true basketball player with multiple facets to his game. He is averaging 14 points 15 rebounds three assists and two steals a game this year.
His improved play has been a key to the Pistons hot start to the season. Another major thing for Drummond is that it appears that he found a new motor which has allowed him to play much more consistent this season.
Coach Stan Van Gundy deserves some of the credit for Drummond’s new offensive appearance. Van Gundy has run a pick and roll offense since he came into the league, however, this year he adapted to his team and moved to a more flowing motion offense.
With a win over the Hawks, the Pistons are now 9-3 and winning the games they are supposed to win, which they were not always doing last year. If the Pistons keep winning, the talk of a hot start will shift into a legitimate force.
