Matt Bassin
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond is not going to the NBA All-Star Game. Yes, you read that right. Despite leading the league in rebounding at 15 per contest, and averaging a double-double, he is left found wanting.
And he’s not too happy about it, to say the least.
Gotta be fuckin kidding me lol
— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) January 24, 2018
That was actually his second reaction, it was actually my initial reaction. His initial reaction is a bit more humorous, if not a glaring testimony to today’s NBA.
Guess I gotta start doing back flips after every point I score to get attention around here!
Lmao on to the next
— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) January 24, 2018
Drummond was far from the only one shocked at the news. His teammate, Reggie Jackson, certainly felt the same.
WOW!!!!! @AndreDrummond not an All Star?!?! #snub #popularitycontest
— Reggie Jackson (@Reggie_Jackson) January 24, 2018
Local product and 13-year NBA veteran, Jalen Rose backed the Pistons big man as well.
Say it wit cha chest Big Fella!! @DetroitPistons https://t.co/JsAuQfYLDw
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) January 24, 2018
In Drummond’s (14.3 ppg, 15 rpg) stead at the center position are Al Horford (13.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 5.3 apg) of the Boston Celtics and Joel Embiid (23.8 ppg, 11 rpg) of the Philadelphia 76ers. Not exactly unworthy in their own right, but it used to mean something to lead the league in rebound, especially if you are also one of the main offensive focal points of your team, as Andre certainly is for the Pistons. To see the rest of the NBA All-Star roster, click here.
Expect Drummond to use this as motivation moving forward. From what we’ve seen this season, we know what happens when he puts his mind to something. He entered the 2018 season as a 39% free throw shooter for his career, and is currently a 63% free throw shooter this season. This could end up being a very good thing for Andre and the Pistons.
In fact, maybe this is just the chip on the shoulder they need to revert back to the defensive studs they were to begin the season and winning games in bunches. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
