Andre Drummond has been named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, and it was well deserved. Drummond has entered the 2015-16 portraying a “Men Amongst Boys” attitude, and the numbers he’s put up shows it. Drummond was once a project coming out of the University of Conneticut after his freshman year, and now he’s the franchise piece to the Detroit Pistons franchise and is taking advantage of it.
With Josh Smith and Greg Monroe now gone and not clogging the paint, Drummond is now taking full advantage. His numbers definitely shows.
Drummond is averaging 20.3 PPG & 19.5 RPG through the Pistons first four games of the season. He is the first player since Dave Cowens and Wilt Chamberlain to start the first four games of the season with at least 75 points and 75 rebounds. Drummond has 81 points and 78 rebounds. He also has two back to back 20-20 games (against Chicago & Indiana). He had three total in his career before this season.
Here’s a look at those two 20-20 games.
VS CHICAGO (20 points – 20 rebounds – 2 blocks)
Drummond must love playing against the Chicago Bulls. This is the 2nd time in his career he finished with a 20-20 game against the Bulls (26 points & 26 rebounds in 2014) and seems to have no trouble feasting against the Bulls strong frontcourt. As always, Drummond did his scoring inside, finishing 62% in the restricted area. He went 5-5 in assisted field goals.
On the glass, the Bulls couldn’t stop him. Drummond grabbed 11 contested rebounds and 5 rebounds with 2 or more opposing players going for the rebound attempt. His 9 of the Pistons 20 offensive rebounds was a big help to the Pistons attempting 20 more field goal attempts than the Bulls.
VS INDIANA (25 points – 29 rebounds – 3 steals)
What else is there to say about this performance?
Drummond was a force on both ends of the floor. From the pick and roll, to hook shots, to tip-in dunks; Drummond did it all for the Pistons. Even if it came in a loss, Drummond made it known that he’s just getting started.
To show how much of a best he was, Drummond grabbed 6 offensive rebounds (11 total) with 2 or more opposing players on him. Drummond grabbed 29 of the Pistons 50 total rebounds in that game.
Ladies and gentlemen, the beast has awaken!