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The Hot Start for Andre Drummond and the Detroit Pistons

Last year on Christmas Day, the Detroit Pistons had a total of five wins. We are two weeks into the NBA season, and they have already matched that win number. The Pistons are currently 5-2, and the team has become one of the biggest storylines early in the season. After a strong finish to last year’s season and making some offseason acquisitions, expectations were high for the Pistons. The playoffs started to become more of a realistic goal than just a dream. With Andre Drummond leading the way, the Pistons are not going away.

The offseason acquisitions for the Pistons deserve some praise. Marcus Morris, Ersan Illyasova, and Steve Blake all fit in to Stan Van Gundy’s system perfectly. Morris has really seemed to thrive in a new system after spending a few seasons with the Phoenix Suns. He and Illyasova are big men who can shoot from the perimeter at a high rate. Van Gundy has been known to surround one big man with a bunch of shooters around him, and that is exactly what he is doing. Whenever Drummond and Reggie Jackson are resting, Morris can keep the offense going for that period of time. Illyasova has really been able to spread the floor, which keeps the paint open for Drummond. When a team is able to add on a older veteran that can produce, they are really going to benefit from that. The Pistons were able to find a solid veteran backup in Blake. With Brandon Jennings still recovering from a torn Achilles, he will be able to be a solid backup to Jackson. Blake is another spot-up shooter that makes life easier for Drummond. These acquisitions for the Pistons have proved to be smart moves early in the season.

Jackson signed a five-year, $80 million contract extension in the offseason, and he has proved that he is worth every cent of that contract. Jackson has had at least 20 points and five assists in the past six games. He really seems to be enjoying the freedom he has received after being a third wheel with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His play-making ability really helps spread the floor for the offense. While he scores at least 20, he is still going to distribute and get his teammates involved. Against the Portland Trail Blazers, Jackson exploded for 40 points with 26 of those coming in the fourth quarter. He has made a strong case early to win the Most Improved Player. If him and Jennings are able to co-exist when Jennings returns, they could be one of the more exciting backcourts.

Unless a person lives under the rock, they have probably heard about the historic start for Drummond. Right now, there have been four “20/20 games” in the entire league. Drummond has three of those 20/20 games. He is currently averaging 19 points and 19 rebounds per game, and he does not seem to be slowing down. By the end of the season, it is very possible that Drummond could become a top five center. An All-Star Game appearance this season is very possible. While Jackson had 40 points against the Trail Blazers, Drummond had 29 points and 27 rebounds. These are numbers that the great Shaquille O’Neal would put up. I am not saying he is better than O’Neal at all, but his numbers have been unreal. Not only is Drummond looking to win this season, but he also hopes to make the Team USA roster for the 2016 Olympics. If he keeps these numbers up, he will almost be a lock to make the roster.

As of right now, the Pistons start does not seem to be a fluke. Although they will not win the East, they could have some exciting playoff series. When basketball is going well at the Palace, the NBA is much more exciting. Props to Van Gundy for being able to turn this team around.

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