DETROIT – When Stan Van Gundy was hired as team president and head coach, there was a certain expectation that the Detroit Pistons would, at the very least, look different.
Twelve games into the regular season, the Pistons are 3-9, losing close games to mediocre teams -- and it all seems very familiar. With essentially the same roster, Stan Van Gundy has not been able to see much improvement from last year.
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Franchise center Andre Drummond is averaging 8 points per game, with 11 rebounds, compared to 13/13 last year. He's also averaging two less offensive rebounds per game. The cornerstone of the Pistons defense, and the newly polished offensive weapon has somehow regressed. How is this possible?
Drummond played his way onto the USA team this past summer, and he looked great doing it. Many considered SVG to be the coach to take Drummond to the next level, much like he did with Dwight Howard in Orlando. In 2013, Drummond's field goal percentage was among the top in the NBA, at 62%. So far, in 2014, Drummond is shooting just under 40%. His free throw shooting has even dipped, which is not good considering he shot 41% from the line last year. Is too much pressure being put on Drummond to carry the offense?
Van Gundy and Drummond have both acknowledged that Drummond's revamped role in the offense is a work in progress, but at what point do you let him play to his current strengths?
"I don't really think it's a project," Van Gundy said. "I think if we get him the ball at the spots where he can be effective and he makes solid, fundamental moves, he'll be successful and help us win."
"I'm not used to it," Drummond said. "But I've worked hard to really get comfortable with it through the summer."
The Pistons will need to learn how to win fast, or a playoff berth will be out of reach sooner than later.