Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond had a disappointing season after it looked like he was poised to become one of the NBA’s best big men. His coach, Stan Van Gundy, emphasized that it’s not too late for Drummond to become a star — if he wants it.
“I think that he needs to have a sense of urgency to elevate his game,” Van Gundy said at a Friday end-of-season news conference, via ProBasketballTalk. “He’s been in the league five years now. He’s still young. He hasn’t turned 24. So he’s got time. He’s a very talented guy. He’s been one of the elite rebounders in the league. He’s got some great things to work with, but there’s more there. The sky is the limit for him.”
Drummond’s numbers dropped across the board last season, from 16.2 points per game to 13.6, while his rebounds per game dropped from 14.8 to 13.8. It got to the point that the Pistons were willing to listen to offers on him. Van Gundy will push him hard, and if he doesn’t respond next year, the Pistons may explore their options even more aggressively.
