Development of Andre Drummond, Spencer Dinwiddie Important for Detroit Pistons
Standing at a miserable record of 3-13 and owners of a 7 game losing streak, the 2014-2015 season has not been kind to the Detroit Pistons.
The only silver lining to this underwhelming start is the Philadelphia 76ers. Currently without a win, they’re the only team between the Pistons being the worst team in the NBA.
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At this point of the season it’s important for the Pistons to start looking at developing some of their younger players. Yes, it’s still early with plenty of basketball to be played. Based on some of the play so far though, it doesn’t seem too good for the Pistons.
Luckily the Pistons have a future superstar in Andre Drummond and an interesting project named Spencer Dinwiddie. Along with Tony Mitchell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope the Pistons’ future is not exactly horrendous. Brandon Jennings is only 25 too. He’s in his 6th season and seems to have improved in the 2014-2015 NBA season.
After averaging 13-13 in his age-20 season, the Pistons are hoping for great things out of Drummond. He has struggled to find his way at times but seems to have his groove recently. His 20-20 game against the Milwaukee Bucks reflects his game changing talent.
The key to success in the present and future lies in Andre Drummond. Drummond has the talent to take over the game with his already superb rebounding and freakish athleticism. With a ceiling as high as Wilt Chamberlain only the sky seems to be the only limit for this young big man.
Though he’s been getting plenty of playing time, a concentrated effort on Drummond will be beneficial for his future. Fans have clamored for Drummond to be featured less in the Pistons’ offense but it’s still important for him to get his shots. A complete feature on his offensive abilities may not be the best plan now but Drummond getting some post-up opportunities will be vital for the future.
Nov 28, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kendall Marshall (5) defended by Detroit Pistons guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Bucks win 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
In Spencer Dinwiddie the Pistons have an interesting player. He was projected as a top-20 player in the 2014 NBA draft. The only reason he fell was because he tore his ACL back in January. So far, he’s shown no ill effects from that ACL injury.
With Jennings’ injury, Dinwiddie has been given the chance to show Van Gundy what he can do. In limited playing time Dinwiddie has shown flashes of being a legitimate NBA Point Guard.
If the Pistons are going to do better as a team they need to focus on their young players. Van Gundy has to stop featuring Josh Smith. His shooting statistics are still the worst in the league not to mention his lazy defense. Unless Van Gundy has a bigger picture in mind Smith should not be getting any playing time.
Another interesting young man is Greg Monroe. At 24 he has yet to hit his athletic prime. Though Monroe may not be a part of the future in signing a qualifying offer, he needs to be playing over Smith. Monroe getting only 3 shots against the Bucks given his offensive skill set is unacceptable. Van Gundy needs to sell his vision of the Pistons to Monroe in order to resign him in the off-season. Though he’s not the best player ever he’s the best of the rest on the current Pistons roster.
The Pistons have plenty of fine young players that can contribute a few years down the road. Stan Van Gundy needs to realize this and act upon it. With 66 games remaining in the regular season he still has time to right the ship.
Now, your thoughts. How do you think the young players should be used? Should Drummond be featured more? Should Dinwiddie be given more playing time? Less? Whatever the case, the vast amount of young talent will be vital if the Pistons want to climb back on top of the NBA world like they did back in 2004.