Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Andre Drummond realizes a three-game winning streak doesn’t mean the Detroit Pistons are on the verge of being a championship team. But the Pistons are ending their season on a little brighter note compared to the way they had played with only one win in March.
“It feels great that we’re winning these games down the stretch. We’re looking really poised and it’s a good sign for next year,” Drummond told reporters Friday night after a 113-93 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats. “We’re just using this as a stepping stone. We’re just going to continue to work together and try to get better as a whole for next season.”
Drummond continues to make wise use of his time as he hopes to set himself up for a super sophomore season.
In the victory over Charlotte, Drummond played slightly more than 27 minutes and was 7-of-13 from the floor for 15 points and nine rebounds. Fortunately he didn’t have to shoot a lot of free throws considering he was 1-of-4, but he continues to struggle big time in that area.
Drummond is currently shooting 36 percent from the free throw line. That’s right, 36 percent. Anything under 60 percent should be unacceptable in the NBA.
There’s no reason the Pistons can’t work with Drummond during the offseason to improve his free throw accuracy. In tight games, defenses will foul him like crazy to send a mediocre shooter into the line.
He also had five turnovers so it wouldn’t hurt Drummond to learn how to protect the ball more. He has potential, but he also has a long way to go.
