ANDRE DRUMMOND

Good afternoon, Chicago. Here's what is happening today.

The Detroit Pistons have had a lot of lottery picks since the concept was introduced into the NBA in 1985. They won the Draft Lottery last season and ultimately used their pick on Cade Cunningham, who was the team’s first No. This year, the Pistons will have the fifth overall pick after falling two spots in Tuesday’s draft lottery. 1, Cade CunninghamThe Pistons picked Cunningham with the top overall pick and he had a strong rookie season. Cunningham also won the Rising Stars Challenge MVP award at this All-Star weekend festivities and he picked up two triple-doubles in his rookie season.

Former Detroit Pistons guard Bruce Brown has found a home with the Brooklyn Nets. The now small forward scored 23 points on Wednesday night in Brooklyn’s loss to the Boston Celtics. Brown scored 12 points in the opening quarter and was responsible for Brooklyn’s first 11 points as it looked to even the series at one game apiece. His hot scoring in the first quarter helped to get the Nets out to 65-55 lead heading into the half. Brooklyn will host Boston for the next two games with Game three taking place on Saturday at 7:30.

Kyrie Irving had 34 points and 12 assists, Kevin Durant added 25 points and 11 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets took the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-108 in the play-in opener.

Kyrie Irving scored 35 points, Kevin Durant had 20 points, a career-high 16 assists and 10 rebounds, and the Brooklyn Nets locked up seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a 134-126 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

LaMelo Ball had 33 points, nine assists and seven rebounds and the Charlotte Hornets spoiled Kyrie Irving’s first home game of the season by beating the Brooklyn Nets 119-110.

Kevin Durant scored a season-high 53 points, making the tiebreaking 3-pointer in a sensational show for a crowd that included Kyrie Irving, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the New York Knicks 110-107.

Kevin Durant scored 18 of his 25 points in Brooklyn’s dominating first half in the Nets’ 129-100 blowout victory over the 76ers on Thursday night in Ben Simmons’ much-hyped return to Philadelphia.

Kyrie Irving hit nine 3-pointers and scored a season-high 50 points, and the Brooklyn Nets snapped a four-game skid with a 132-121 win over the Charlotte Hornets.

The Philadelphia Sixers made it two straight wins with their new duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden, beating the New York Knicks 125-109.

Ben Simmons is dealing with back soreness as the Brooklyn Nets’ new acquisition prepares to make his 2021-22 debut.

James Harden had 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds in his 76ers debut, Joel Embiid added 34 points and 10 rebounds and Philadelphia routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-102 on Friday night.

Rookie Cam Thomas led Brooklyn back from a 28-point deficit with 16 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, and the Nets stunned the New York Knicks 111-106.

James Harden has an MVP and several scoring titles on his mantle – and now he’s ready to add a championship trophy.

The Brooklyn Nets no longer needed to wait for Kevin Durant to get healthy, or for Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated, or for James Harden to make a decision about free agency.

James Harden will not play for the Philadelphia 76ers in games Friday and Saturday night.

The Philadelphia 76ers have traded Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden as part of a multiplayer deal.

Joel Embiid scored 34 points and the Philadelphia 76ers spoiled Kevin Durant’s return to the lineup by beating the Brooklyn Nets 110-102.

Joel Embiid scored 17 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter, hitting three jumpers in the final minutes and three free throws in the last four seconds to ice it as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 108-103.

Kevin Durant had 29 points and 10 rebounds, James Harden added a triple-double and the Brooklyn Nets extended their winning streak to four games with a 96-90 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Seth Curry scored 23 points, Tyrese Maxey added 20 and the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers beat the Detroit Pistons 109-98.

DETROIT -- It’s clear that there is still no love lost between Detroit Pistons fans and former center Andre Drummond. But it is the first time that he has played in front of Pistons fans since March 2020. Drummond started for the 76ers in the absence of Joel Embiid and Pistons fans made it clear that they were not pleased with him. Fans let out cheers and claps when Drummond missed a free throw, turned over the ball or committed a foul. But after years of stagnant growth, with just two playoff appearances in 2016 and 2019, the Pistons opted to begin the process of restoring the franchise.

The Los Angeles Lakers have traded the rights to Marc Gasol back to the Memphis Grizzlies, where the 36-year-old center spent his first 11 NBA seasons.

Russell Westbrook is realizing a childhood dream by coming home to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers simply need a rest after two NBA seasons that felt like one relentless grind only interrupted by a ring ceremony.

The Cavaliers intend to keep Kevin Love around.

Anthony Davis had 34 points and 11 rebounds, LeBron James added 21 points and nine assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers celebrated their first home playoff game in more than eight years with a 109-95 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Anthony Davis scored 34 points, Dennis Schroder added 24 and the Los Angeles Lakers held on for a hard-fought 109-102 win over the Phoenix Suns in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series on Tuesday night.

LeBron James scored 25 points before he appeared to mildly aggravate a right ankle injury,and the Los Angeles Lakers closed out the regular season with a 110-98 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Anthony Davis scored 28 points and LeBron James returned after a six-game absence to score 24 Saturday to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Kyle Kuzma’s driving layup with 6.9 seconds remaining gave the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers a 124-122 victory over the Houston Rockets and kept the defending NBA champions' slim hopes of avoiding the play-in tournament alive.

Talen Horton-Tucker made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 21.1 seconds remaining, and the Los Angeles Lakers improved their hopes of avoiding the play-in tournament and prevented the New York Knicks from clinching a postseason berth with a 101-99 victory.

Anthony Davis had 42 points and 12 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers never trailed in a 123-110 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Paul George led seven players in double figures with 24 points and the Los Angeles Clippers routed a Lakers team minus LeBron James 118-94 to move into the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

Kyle Lowry had 37 points and 11 assists, Pascal Siakam had 39 points and 13 rebounds and the short-handed Toronto Raptors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 121-114.

LeBron James scored 16 points in his return to the Los Angeles Lakers lineup, but it wasn’t enough as the Sacramento Kings rallied for a 110-106 victory.

Luka Doncic scored 30 points, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 115-110 victory over the Lakers in the return of Los Angeles star Anthony Davis from a 30-game injury absence.

Dennis Schröder hit the tying basket to force overtime and finished with 25 points and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Utah Jazz 127-115 in a game between short-handed teams.

The Boston Celtics blew most of a 27-point lead in the fourth quarter before holding on for a 121-113 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

LaMarcus Aldridge has retired from the NBA after saying he experienced an irregular heartbeat during his final game with the Brooklyn Nets.

Andre Drummond had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Dennis Schroder scored 19 points before he and Kyrie Irving were ejected in the third quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Brooklyn Nets 126-101.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks against Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond (2) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES – Andre Drummond left his Lakers debut with a bruised right toe, and Jrue Holiday scored 28 points in the Milwaukee Bucks' 112-97 victory over Los Angeles on Wednesday night. ANTETOKOUNMPO BROTHERSGiannis Antetokounmpo and his two brothers shared the court for 52 seconds late in the fourth quarter. Thanasis Antetokounmpo is Giannis' teammate with the Bucks, while Kostas Antetokounmpo is a Lakers reserve. How can you do that to your little brother?”The Antetokounmpos became the second trio of brothers to play at the same time in an NBA game.

FILE - In this Feb 5, 2021, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers' Andre Drummond drives the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)LOS ANGELES – Andre Drummond is joining the Los Angeles Lakers for the playoff push. The Lakers announced the signing of the two-time All-Star center less than an hour before Sunday night's game against the Orlando Magic. AdThe Lakers currently rank ninth in the NBA in rebounds per game (45.1), but just 17th in offensive rebounds (9.6). Ad___AP Sports Writer Joe Reedy in Los Angeles contributed to this report___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Andre Drummond didn't move. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)CLEVELAND – Center Andre Drummond is now a free agent and can sign with a contending team after reaching a buyout with the Cavaliers. Drummond, who hasn't played since mid-February, began negotiating terms of the buyout with the Cavs on Thursday after the club didn't trade the 27-year-old before the deadline. The agreement ends a partnership that became awkward when the Cavs benched Drummond to give young center Jarrett Allen more playing time. Drummond twice made the playoffs with the Pistons, who selected him with the ninth overall pick in 2012.

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)DENVER – The Denver Nuggets are bringing back center JaVale McGee in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The 33-year-old McGee averaged eight points and 5.2 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game for the Cavs this season. A three-time NBA champion with Golden State and Los Angeles, McGee brings plenty of playoff experience to the Nuggets. McGee has been invaluable to the Cavs this season, serving not only as a backup but mentor to the team’s young core. Hartenstein shoved McGee, and although he scored just two points, his gesture meant much more to his coaches and teammates.

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) celebrates a three-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)Kyle Lowry stayed with the Toronto Raptors, and the Miami Heat got Victor Oladipo instead. And on a trade deadline day where moves were getting made right up until the last possible moment, the Denver Nuggets took a big swing at getting better for a playoff run while the Orlando Magic began a rebuild. Lowry — considered perhaps the biggest prize who was on the market — did not get traded, the Raptors apparently unable to find enough assets to their liking. Questions swirled around Lowry all the way to the 3 p.m. EST deadline, and there were signs that the Raptors were positioning themselves to make the move. “Everything will be fine," Lowry said on Wednesday, when asked about the looming deadline and incessant reports about his trade prospects.

USA Basketball is a step closer to choosing the team that will play in this summer’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, releasing the names Thursday of 57 players who are part of the pool to fill the squad. It’s also already drawing major interest from some NBA stars who have yet to taste Olympic gold. USA Basketball will pare the list to a 12-person Olympic team by early summer. Jordan, who now plays for Brooklyn, is also a newcomer to the pool even though he was on the 2016 Olympic team. “But for USA Basketball to receive the commitment of so many outstanding players remains an indicator of the great honor of representing your country means to these men.”

SAN FRANCISCO -- Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green criticized the NBA Monday night saying there’s a double standard in the league when it comes to how players and organizations are allowed to operate when players are expected to be traded. Green specifically pointed out how former Detroit Pistons and current Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond is being treated by the Cavs. The move was made because the Cavs are expected to try to trade the former All-Star in the coming days. “At some point, as players, we need to be treated with the same respect. “As players, we’re told, ‘Ah, no, you can’t say that, you can’t say this,’ but teams can?

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after being called for a technical foul during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks in San Francisco, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green sharply criticized the NBA following Monday night's win over Cleveland, saying players put on the trading block by teams are being treated unfairly. Green spoke out after news broke of the Cavaliers sitting two-time All-Star center Andre Drummond because they’re looking to deal him. “As a player, you’re the worst person in the world when you want a different situation,” Green said. Bickerstaff also said the decision to sit Drummond came only after consulting both Drummond and his agent about the situation.

Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap, left, fights for position for a rebound with Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)CLEVELAND – Andre Drummond is on the trade block — and the bench. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said the decision to sit Drummond, one of the NBA's leading rebounders at 13.5 per game, was difficult. Drummond will continue to stay on the sideline while the team tries to find a trade partner. But with the NBA's focus on shooting 3-pointers, a player like Drummond — a prototypical center — can be viewed as a liability.

Collin Sexton scored 29 points and Andre Drummond had 23 points, 16 rebounds, and five steals against his former team, powering the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 122-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. “Our main goal is to beat up a team and wear them down,” said Drummond, who spent his first 7 1/2 seasons with the Pistons. The Cavaliers went ahead for good at 72-69 on a Darius Garland 3-pointer in the third. The Pistons have committed 46 turnovers in two games against the Cavaliers, both losses. Cavaliers: Garland made his first start since returning from a sprained right shoulder on Jan. 22.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Collin Sexton scored 29 points and Andre Drummond had 23 points, 16 rebounds and five steals against his former team, powering the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 122-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Jerami Grant scored 26 points and Mason Plumlee had 15 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high eight turnovers for Detroit. The Pistons have the worst road record in the Eastern Conference at 1-7. … Rookie G Saben Lee was assigned to the G-League in a procedural move. … F Kevin Love (right calf strain), G Matthew Dellavedova (concussion) and rookie F Lamar Stevens (abdominal strain) were inactive.

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (23) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers' Dylan Windler (9) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND – Back home, LeBron James kept the Lakers perfect on the road. When James was short with a 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter, the unidentified Cavs executive celebrated. It was only James' second trip back to Cleveland since he left the Cavs for the second time as a free agent after the 2018 season. “It's more of a somber-tone-type-of-day.”The Lakers are spending the night in Cleveland before flying to Philadelphia — Bryant's hometown — on Tuesday.

The team confirmed after the game that Fultz tore his ACL. “It’s a huge blow for us,” said Magic center Nikola Vucevic, whose team also will be without standout forward Jonathan Isaac this season because of an ACL tear. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft as he led the Magic to a quick start this season. Terrence Ross scored 20 points and hit five 3-pointers to lead the Magic, who beat the Cavaliers for a second time in three nights. Collin Sexton scored 21 points for Cleveland, his eighth straight game with at least 20 points to start the season.

Collin Sexton scored 32 points and three of his teammates had at least 21 points, helping Cleveland beat Detroit 128-119 in two overtimes Saturday night. “Multiple opportunities where we could’ve given in, multiple opportunities that we could’ve lost the fight,” Pacers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “The positive is we put ourselves in a position to win two straight games,” Detroit coach Dwane Casey said. Pistons: Team owner Tom Gores acknowledged the franchise is rebuilding with a revamped roster and he hopes fans are patient with the young team during a pregame news conference on a Zoom call. “This is a very young team.” … Detroit was allowed to have up to 250 spectators in the stands and there were about 100 family members of players and coaches, team employees, and invited guests in attendance.

DETROIT -- For the second time during the regular season, the Detroit Pistons drew first blood and established a healthy lead. For the second time during the regular season, the Pistons gave up that lead late in the game. Ahead of the season, Casey warned that taking care of the ball would be the team’s biggest challenge. Return of Andre Drummond: The Pistons dealt Andre Drummond to the Cavaliers in February, which signaled the beginning of the rebuild. Ahead of the game, Pistons announcer John Mason welcomed Drummond back when announcing the starting lineups.

But that’s all the points the Pistons scored in the initial OT. Consecutive layups by Sexton and a 3-pointer from Garland got the Cavs rolling in the second OT, in which they outscored Detroit 16-7. The Pistons undoubtedly felt they let another one slip away after faltering late in the fourth quarter of their season opener Wednesday at Minnesota. Garland and Osman remained hot in the second quarter and Cleveland took a 59-53 lead into halftime. He left the game with 9:45 remaining in the second quarter after being whacked in the face by Drummond while having a shot blocked.

The Lakers, who beat Miami to win the championship Oct. 11, start the new season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. Also on Wednesday, Chicago beat Oklahoma City 124-103, and Portland played at Denver. BULLS 124, THUNDER 103At Oklahoma City, the Bulls took control in the second quarter and didn’t let up. LaVine scored 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting in the first quarter while Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 for Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City couldn’t get into a flow, but part of that was because first-year coach Mark Daigneault gave minutes to 13 players.

The NBA’s free agency period began last Friday and the Detroit Pistons already have more new faces than those returning. Jordan Bone, PG - He reportedly signed with the Orlando Magic on a two-way contract after one season with the Pistons in the same capacity. Tim Frazier, PG -- Signed with Detroit ahead of the 2019-20 season, he was waived ahead of the 2020 trade deadline. Donta Hall, PF – Detroit signed the young power forward to two consecutive 10-day contracts. Jordan McRae, SG – The Pistons signed McRae toward the end of the last season following the injury to Rose.

The Detroit Pistons drafted Villanova forward Saddiq Bey with the No. 19 pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. 19 pick to draft Bey. The Pistons traded a protected draft pick to Houston for the No. Follow live NBA Draft and Detroit Pistons updates below:

The Detroit Pistons drafted point guard Killian Hayes with the No. 7 pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. The Pistons traded a protected draft pick to Houston for the No. The team drafted Sekou Doumbouya in last year’s NBA draft. Follow live NBA Draft and Detroit Pistons updates below:

In the final hour before the NBA trading deadline, Cleveland acquired two-time All-Star center Andre Drummond from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for forward John Henson, guard Brandon Knight and the less favorable of its two second-round draft picks in 2023. But by landing Drummond, who leads the league in rebounding, the Cavs helped themselves in the short-term and positioned themselves for the future. The 26-year-old Drummond has a $28.7 million player option in his contract for next season. The 28-year-old is making $15.6 million this season, his final one on a five-year, $70 million deal. We are grateful for Andres contributions to our team, our franchise and the City of Detroit, Pistons owner Tom Gores said.

In the final hour before Thursdays NBA trading deadline, Cleveland agreed to acquire two-time All-Star center Andre Drummond from the Detroit Pistons, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The 26-year-old Drummond has a $28.7 million player option in his contract for next season. I love you Detroit Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) February 6, 2020Cont you will always have a special place in my heart! Lets finish the year off the right way Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) February 6, 2020Henson had been injured during much of his stay with Cleveland. The 28-year-old is making $15.6 million this season, his final one on a five-year, $70 million deal.

DETROIT (AP) Andre Drummond wasnt about to predict where hed be playing in a couple days. Theres been trade speculation about Drummond, and this was Detroits last game before Thursdays trade deadline. He had 20 points and 11 rebounds by halftime and finished just two points shy of his career high. It dont faze me.Reggie Jackson added 25 points for Detroit and Christian Wood had 21. Pistons: Detroit has been without Blake Griffin because of left knee surgery.

In a battle with Detroits Andre Drummond, Valanciunas had 26 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to a 96-82 victory over the Pistons on Monday night, sweeping the season series. Theres not a lot of big guys left, Valanciunas said. The Grizzlies held the Pistons to 3 of 25 in the third resulting in a mere 10 points a season-low for any Pistons quarter. Its obviously kind of a funky game, both teams kind of struggling through it, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. Earlier Monday, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins was named Western Conference coach of the month for January.

BOSTON (AP) The Pistons have been playing most of the past month without three starters. Rookie Sekou Doumbouya scored a season-high 24 points and Detroit snapped a three-game losing streak with a 116-103 win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Detroit continued to be without starters Reggie Jackson (back), Blake Griffin (left knee surgery) and Luke Kennard (knee tendinitis). This is probably the best win weve had, Morris said. Pistons coach Dwane Casey is hopeful it also bring some improved health for his team.

DETROIT (AP) Two years ago, the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers made a blockbuster trade, with Blake Griffin coming to the Motor City in exchange for Tobias Harris. Im used to contributing more and I just havent been able to do that.The Pistons rebounded a season-low 59% of Philadelphias missed shots. Late in the half, Harris threw a misplaced lob to Simmons, who was able to reach back and make a reverse layup. Pistons: Griffin, Christian Wood and Rose all played despite knee issues, but Bruce Brown (calf) and Luke Kennard (knee) missed the game. STRUGGLES AT HOMEThe Pistons have lost five straight at home, matching their longest streak since moving to Little Caesars Arena in 2017.

Doncic scored 41 points and posted his eighth triple-double of the season, Seth Curry added a season-high 30 points off the bench and the Dallas Mavericks topped the Detroit Pistons 122-111 on Thursday night in the opener of the NBA Mexico Games. And with us two, the team is going to get way better.Andre Drummond led the Pistons with 23 points and 15 rebounds. The Pistons had won two straight before losing to Milwaukee on Dec. 4, and had won two straight again before Thursday. AVOCADO WOESDrummond was a game-time decision because the Pistons said he had an allergic reaction to an avocado. This is the first time that the NBA has brought four teams to the Mexico games.

The Mission is Possible: A Conversation About Women, Girls & Philanthropy was hosted by Detroit Pistons star Andre Drummond and his mother, Christine Cameron. Athletics and gender equality are two areas that dont always seem to agree with one another. But a Detroit mens basketball player ironically is responsible for recently bringing gender education to students throughout the state. The Mission is Possible: A Conversation About Women, Girls & Philanthropy took place last month at The War Memorial in recognition of National Philanthropy Day, which was celebrated Nov. 15. What CAN men do to support women, and as a result, also support other men?

DETROIT (AP) Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey knew his teams fourth game against the Indiana Pacers was going to be just as physical as the first three. He also knew Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond could give the Pistons a big edge in that aspect of the game. Drummond had 25 points and 22 rebounds, Griffin scored 25 points and made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 41 seconds left, and the Pistons beat the Pacers 108-101 on Friday. Then we played our (butts) off.The Pistons had a 25-2 edge in second-chance points, including 12-0 in the fourth quarter. Theyre a really physical team, so we knew we had to bring our A game, Drummond said.

The Detroit Pistons are suddenly on a roll. Blake Griffin scored 24 points, Andre Drummond had 17 points and 14 rebounds, and the Pistons routed the Cleveland Cavaliers 127-94 Tuesday night to win consecutive games for the first time this season. The Pistons thumped San Antonio 132-98 on Sunday and put together another dominant performance, shooting 54% and hitting 18 of 35 3-point attempts. The Pistons and Cavaliers played for the first time this season and will meet three times in January. Cavaliers: Cleveland didnt shoot a free throw until the 2:29 mark of the second quarter when it trailed 59-40.

TORONTO (AP) Raptors forward Pascal Siakam scored 30 points five times last season, when he played in 80 games. Lowry scored 20 points, Serge Ibaka and Norman Powell each had 19 and OG Anonuby added 13 for the Raptors. Our individual defense was lacking, Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. Whoever was out there, we werent guarding them.Detroit also committed 20 turnovers, leading to 29 points for Toronto. After being chosen NBA Coach of the Year for his 59-win regular season with Toronto, Casey ended up being hired by the Pistons.

DETROIT (AP) Trae Young feels like a veteran as he enters his second NBA season. Young had 38 points and nine assists and the Atlanta Hawks opened the season with a 117-100 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. Drummond had 32 points and 23 rebounds in Detroits season-opening victory on Wednesday in Indiana, but the Hawks scored 60 points in the paint. Detroit scored the next four points before the game was delayed for several minutes because of the clock failure. The Pistons narrowed the lead to 98-92, but a pair of Rose turnovers helped the Hawks scored the next seven points and take a 13-point lead with 4:47 to play.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Andre Drummond softened up the perimeter by hammering away in the middle. Im glad he (Drummond) is on my team, Derrick Rose said after his Pistons debut. But Drummond and Kennard ruined the big unveil. Sabonis had 27 points and 13 rebounds and Malcolm Brogdon added 22 points in his first game with the Pacers. Drummond helped the Pistons trade punches early in the fourth, just long enough for Kennard to heat up.

In a league with so many teams either contending or rebuilding, the Detroit Pistons havent been doing much of either. That obviously wasnt ideal, so keep an eye on his minutes this season as the Pistons try to keep him as fresh as possible. OTHER ADDITIONSAside from Rose, the Pistons also added a potential contributor in Tony Snell, who averaged 6.0 points for Milwaukee a season ago. The Pistons have been loath to give up on their current path, sticking with the trio of Griffin, Drummond, and Jackson, but a poor start this season could bring about a tipping point. It may now be a bit easier for the Pistons to move on from Drummond and/or Jackson if things are clearly going south.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) Blake Griffin worked so hard to lift the Detroit Pistons to the playoffs, then couldnt contribute as much once they were there. Thats what coach Dwane Casey would like to avoid this season. Ive said too many times, being from Kentucky, we rode him like a cheap horse last year, Casey said at media day Monday. Griffin ended up having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, although he said that didnt cut into his offseason work too much. I think we got used to the system that we implemented last year the 3-point shooting system. 2019 Associated Press.

NBA centers are some of the most physically imposing athletes on the planet. Alonzo Mourning (1993-2008) Getty Images | Donald MiralleIn 15 years of service in the NBA, ‘Zo averaged 4.4 blocks per 48 minutes played, which is the fifth-highest mark ever among NBA centers. Walton’s average of 13.8 defensive rebounds per 48 minutes played is the highest of any center in NBA history. He also helped his teammates more than most centers, averaging 5.8 assists per 48 minutes played, which is third-best among all centers. He averaged the most free throws made per 48 minutes played of any center in NBA history, averaging 9.1 for his career.