Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond took a big step back offensively last season, dropping from 16.2 points per game in 2015-16 to just 13.6 points last year. But heading into the season, head coach Stan Van Gundy has praised his young big man for his growing maturity and willingness to sacrifice in terms of his role in the offense, the Detroit News’ Rod Beard reports.

Van Gundy is particularly pleased with Drummond’s confidence in terms of facilitating the Pistons' offense from outside of the lane. He also believes Andre Drummond’s improved breathing could play a big difference in his game this year, particularly with his free throws.

Playing a bit further away from the basket will be somewhat different for Drummond, who has worked almost exclusively in the painted area for his entire career. But that’s apparently how Stan Van Gundy wants him to play this season, and it seems Drummond has bought into playing the slightly different role, which does show maturity on his part.

Despite his high confidence in himself to play that role well, though, it still remains to be seen how effective Andre Drummond and the Pistons will be with him playing that style. The same wait-and-see approach should go with the improved breathing which could allegedly improve his free throws. Drummond remains a horrific free throw shooter, with a career average of just 38 percent.