When Stan Van Gundy became the head coach and President of Basketball Operations in 2014, the Detroit Pistons made great strides until the 2016-17 NBA season. After a 12-win improvement and making the playoffs for the first time in six seasons, there were expectations the Pistons would continue to take steps forward.
Unfortunately, Detroit finished 10th in the Eastern Conference this past season and made significant changes to their starting lineup. After renouncing their rights to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, they acquired Avery Bradley from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Marcus Morris.
With numerous players moving to the Western Conference, the Pistons are expected to compete for a playoff spot this upcoming season. As a result, Andre Drummond understands it begins with him and wants to establish himself as the team's leader according to Michael Lee of The Vertical:
“It was a lot of up and down. We were very inconsistent. It was not the team, who we are. A lot of things happened to us, a lot of injuries. Guys weren’t playing to best of their abilities – and it starts with me,” Drummond told The Vertical between bites of his birthday cake. “I didn’t come out playing the way I was supposed to. I needed to take it upon myself to be a leader this summer, to really take care of myself, take care of my body to make sure my team got better.”
After being named an All-Star in 2016 by averaging 16.2 points and 14.8 rebounds, he regressed and will need to play up to his potential. Fortunately, Drummond is only 23 years old and has an opportunity to re-establish himself as one of the best big men in the league.
With a solid starting lineup, the Pistons are projected to win 35.1 games and finish in the eighth spot according to ESPN. However, it starts and ends with Drummond.
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