Feb 27, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center
Andre Drummond(0) blocks New York Knicks center
Andrea Bargnani(77) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Future of Centers
Andre Drummond – Detroit Pistons
If you were to look at just the starting bigs of the Detroit Pistons, you’d assume that they were really going places right now. Had it not been for being 24 years old, Greg Monroe certainly would have made the Power Forwards list. The real gem of the Motor City front court however is 21-year-old Center, Andre Drummond.
Drummond took center stage for a franchise that has had fairly recent success because of rebounding and strong interior play. He’s on pace to finish first in the NBA in offensive rebounding for the second consecutive season. In addition to that, his shot selection and skill near the rim netted him the second highest effective field goal percentage in the NBA last season.
The greatest part of what Andre Drummond brings on a nightly basis is his athleticism. At just 21 years of age, the springs in his feet and his motor are enough to turn plenty of heads in the league. Once he learns to better hone his craft he might become the next truly dominant NBA center.
Jonas Valanciunas – Toronto Raptors
Jonas Valanciunas has materialized into a legitimate post threat for a young Toronto Raptor team packed with offensive fire power. He’s only 22 years old and already showing that he has a place in the NBA.
Mar 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) looks to play a ball during the fourth quarter in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 94-83. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Seemingly, gone from the league are the days of a center’s post up ability being the cornerstone for a team’s offensive sets. Granted there are a plethora of strong big men around the league who certainly have the skills to dominate on the low block. However there is no longer that strong a precedence set on that type of rough and rugged play down low.
Valanciunas in his 3-year career has blossomed into an elite level big when it comes to playing with his back to the basket. His array of post shots is phenomenal and it has made him a top dog on a team that already features a couple of recent All-Stars in Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan.
Next: We should begin respecting the Houston Rockets as an NBA title contender