Sir Charles in Charge
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Mediocrity in Motown: The Detroit Pistons need to bounce back in 2017-18

By Evan Dyal

AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 05: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts late in the game during a 105-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 5, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 05: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts late in the game during a 105-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 5, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons walks off the court in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 27, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons walks off the court in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 27, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Andre Drummond Unable to Take the Next Step

During his time in Orlando, Stan Van Gundy built his teams around star center Dwight Howard. Howard was a dominant defender and rebounder. On offense, he excelled in pick and rolls, especially as a lob threat. Orlando surrounded him with shooting and Howard thrived all the way to the NBA Finals. Stan Van Gundy had similar visions for Andre Drummond in Detroit. Like Howard, Drummond is a dominant rebounder and a great lob threat.

Two years ago, Drummond averaged 16 points and 14 rebounds. Last year, he averaged only 13 points and 13 rebounds. While 13 rebounds is incredible, Drummond didn’t take the next step. What was more disappointing was his defense. His effort and attention to detail seemed to lack throughout the season. He engaged when he wanted to engage. Drummond also continued to be miserable at the free throw line shooting only 38 percent at the line. Dwight Howard was at least in the fifties.

Now Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons are not sure what they have in Drummond. That is why both Drummond and Jackson have been involved in trade rumors this offseason. Drummond had a 20.9 PER, and is an above average center. His dominant rebounding alone makes him that. The two main questions about Drummond are can he become consistent on defense and can he at least become respectable from the charity stripe? Heading into his sixth season, both of those remain unclear.

At first, he looked like a perfect fit for a Stan Van Gundy team. Now, he looks like a player Stan Van Gundy may want to trade him.

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