Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Bouncing back: Best redemption stories from the NBA’s first quarter

By Jacob Doole

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a 105-96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on November 3, 2017 in Detroit, 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)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a 105-96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on November 3, 2017 in Detroit, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 03: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a 105-96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on November 3, 2017 in Detroit, 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)
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 03: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a 105-96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on November 3, 2017 in Detroit, 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) /

Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons

Few young players have had as many ups and downs as Andre Drummond.

First, he was a long-term prospect with oodles of raw talent, not expected to contribute right away.

Then, he was a surprisingly productive rookie developing rapidly. He became an All-Star at 22 years old, and signed a max contract shortly after.

Last season, he was on the trade block. His poor free throw shooting made him a liability late in games, and it seemed like no team really wanted him.

Now? He’s a lock for the All-Star game, a top-five NBA center, and the leader of one of the best and most surprising teams in the league.

It’s been a roller-coaster ride for Drummond, and his breakthrough this season starts with his improved free throw shooting.

Last season he shot 38.6 percent from the charity stripe, and that was somehow an improvement over the previous year (35.5%). In both seasons, they were the worst marks of any player that played at least 45 games.

That saw him become the latest target of the much-debated “hack-a-Shaq” tactic. Opposition teams intentionally fouling him meant that he was unplayable late in close games.

This season, he’s shooting a respectable 63 percent from the line. That’s a phenomenal and rapid improvement, and it’s led to him playing a career-high 33.1 minutes per game, including almost every crunch-time minute.

He’s averaging 14.3 points per game and leading the league in rebounding (15.2), offensive rebounding (5.3) and second chance points per game (5.5).

His previously questionable defense has also improved. While his raw numbers have not changed drastically, he’s currently fifth in the league in defensive rating at 99.2.

He’s even had a true statement performance, with his historic 26-point, 22-rebound, six-assist and four-steal game in a win against the league-leading Celtics.

Drummond’s fall from grace was spectacular, but his bounce back to the top looks set to be even more impressive. And after being hounded by trade rumours last season, he shouldn’t be going anywhere.

Home/NBA News