His Airness. The King. The Greek Freak. An awesome nickname is a cherry on top for NBA players. They help provide an aura of mystique and usually represent a key facet of that player's game. However, not all players were fortunate enough to be bestowed with such monikers. Look no further than Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond.
While Drummond has provided solid play since arriving in Los Angeles, he made the news recently because of his nickname. For a guy who stands at 6-foot-10 and 279 pounds with a chiseled frame, one would think he would have an intimidating moniker. Instead, he's Big Penguin. It just does not sound right for a guy built like Drummond.
Nevertheless, below are three alternative options for the big man to consider.
1. The Emperor
If Big Penguin has somehow become too catchy and Andre Drummond is unable to shake it off for the remainder of his playing career or even his whole life, then a pivot can be in order.
The largest type of penguin in the world is the Emperor Penguin. They stand at an unreal 45 inches and can weigh as much as 88 pounds. Dropping the Penguin part would make Drummond feel more intimidating overall.
This may sound a bit controversial as a similar moniker in The Little Emperor is already used by some NBA fans in China to describe Drummond's teammate, LeBron James. Since Drummond is physically larger than James, maybe the proposed nickname can work?
2. Stocks
For those familiar with fantasy basketball, this is the term used as a combination of steals and blocks. Andre Drummond provides both. Before joining the Lakers, he was averaging 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks in his career. In his 2019-2020 season with the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers, he garnered 1.9 steals and 1.6 swats per contest. He's at 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game this season.
While these numbers may not jump off the page, it is rare for a player of Drummond's size to be racking up impressive numbers like that in both categories. Other top shot blockers such as Myles Turner, Rudy Gobert, and Clint Capela are all well under a steal per game for their careers.
High steals are usually reserved for perimeter players who have more chances at disrupting passing lanes and nabbing the ball from primary ball handlers. Drummond has quick hands and a good understanding of the game, which assist him in racking up stocks.
3. Mr. Glass
The strongest part of Andre Drummond's game is his rebounding. For four seasons, starting with the 2015-2016 season, he led the league in rebounding. With his strength. athleticism, and positioning, he is able to gobble up boards effortlessly.
Rebounding or cleaning the glass may not be the most glamorous side of basketball, but it can be the difference between winning or losing.
Having an elite rebounder on a squad will make the team more confident in taking their shots, as they know there is a big chance that their 5 can earn them another crack at a basket. On the other hand, guys like Drummond end possessions for the opposing team.
Mr. Glass is also the character portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson in the 2000 film Unbreakable, so that's cool.
Follow Us
Subscribe