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re: Thoughts on Andre Drummond

Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:05 am to
Posted by Fun Bunch
New Orleans
Member since May 2008
130612 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:05 am to
I'm reading the following profile from Draft Express:

LINK

Some things that jumped out:

He shot 29% from the Free Throw line. 29%. And in his last 10 games, he shot 18% from the FTL. Good god.

He was 32% in post up/back to the basket situations, which is pretty bad.
quote:


Besides not knowing how to establish deep post-position, his footwork, countermoves and off-hand lack significant polish, while his jump-hook is not a consistent weapon at all yet, as he appears to possess just average touch. Drummond has an odd habit of trying to shoot an odd two-handed turn-around jumper instead of a traditional hook, which is easily blockable due to its very low release point.

quote:

One part of his game which may have more potential than we've seen thus far is as a pick and roll finisher. The pick and roll is not a major part of UConn's offense, and when their guards do run it, they rarely do so looking to pass. With the superior spacing NBA guards enjoy due to the deeper 3-point line, this is a much bigger part of most teams' offense, and Drummond seemingly possesses ideal tools to benefit from that.




Posted by SlowFlowPro
With populists, expect populism
Member since Jan 2004
478054 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:58 am to
quote:

I just don't see anything "elite" in Drummond's game

but you're looking at it wrong

college production does mean something, but it doesn't mean that much...esp with only a freshman year to dissect

you have to separate the college game and nba game in your mind. there are a few stats that translate, like rebounding, but otherwise it's just not comparing apples to apples

quote:

There will be someone with just as much "potential" available next year.

there hasn't been a 5 with this potential since bynum in 2005
Posted by SlowFlowPro
With populists, expect populism
Member since Jan 2004
478054 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 11:59 am to
quote:

Problem being that Drummond, as he is now, is far from the BPA until the mid-lottery.

depends on how you label "BPA" which is really tricky in a draft like the NBAs
Posted by VOR
New Orleans
Member since Apr 2009
69020 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:00 pm to
Okay, now I'm even worried about taking him with our second pick.

I would hate to pass on him with the physical ability he has and the potential for development under Monty Williams and staff, but we could really use two immediate contributors. Tough call, imo.
Posted by SlowFlowPro
With populists, expect populism
Member since Jan 2004
478054 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:01 pm to
quote:

but we could really use two immediate contributors

well this brings up another angle to the science of team building: we really don't want to be that good next year

we want another shot at the lottery in 2013, along with some free agency flexibility
Posted by VOR
New Orleans
Member since Apr 2009
69020 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:09 pm to
quote:

well this brings up another angle to the science of team building: we really don't want to be that good next year

we want another shot at the lottery in 2013, along with some free agency flexibility



I've tried not to think about that during the last couple of days. Now, I am far from a cap expert . . . in fact I pretty much suck at the various rules and calculations (I can balance my checkbook, however). Anyway, I've heard it suggested that with either Kaman or Okafor (or both), gone, plus others who won't be re-signed that we'll have good space even if we re-sign Gordon (I'm not so sure it will take the max contract but I could be dreaming). Am I wrong?

The point I'm fumbling for is that I think Benson and the fans are going to want to see real progress next year. Will they settle for a good season but just missing the playoffs? I have no idea what next year's draft class is like.
Posted by Jester
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2006
34717 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:11 pm to
quote:

there are a few stats that translate, like rebounding, but otherwise it's just not comparing apples to apples


Which is probably the most important stat for a big in the NBA, especially one that doesn't possess any shooting ability. I have demonstrated in this very thread that Drummond is a pitiful rebounder given the amazing talent some seem to think he possesses. What use is a big that can't shoot and doesn't rebound?
This post was edited on 4/16/12 at 12:12 pm
Posted by TigerinATL
Member since Feb 2005
62446 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:11 pm to
quote:

we want another shot at the lottery in 2013, along with some free agency flexibility


Not gonna happen. Depending on health I'd expect them to be a 6-12 seed meaning late lottery at best.
Posted by Jester
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2006
34717 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:13 pm to
quote:

depends on how you label "BPA" which is really tricky in a draft like the NBAs


Unless you are defining it as "Best Potential Available," it is pretty cut and dry. As a basketball player, he is nothing to write home about. As a tall athlete, he stands out. Maybe he could try his hand at beach volleyball.
Posted by VOR
New Orleans
Member since Apr 2009
69020 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:13 pm to
quote:

Depending on health I'd expect them to be a 6-12 seed meaning late lottery at best.




Sixth seed is very optimistic I would think, but it would definitely put Monty up there for COY.
Posted by SlowFlowPro
With populists, expect populism
Member since Jan 2004
478054 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:16 pm to
quote:

Anyway, I've heard it suggested that with either Kaman or Okafor (or both), gone, plus others who won't be re-signed that we'll have good space even if we re-sign Gordon (I'm not so sure it will take the max contract but I could be dreaming). Am I wrong?

you're not wrong. i don't have the #s in front of me but we should have cap room if we sign gordon and give up kaman's rights

then with okafor coming off the books we'll have more, likely

Posted by SlowFlowPro
With populists, expect populism
Member since Jan 2004
478054 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:20 pm to
quote:

I have demonstrated in this very thread that Drummond is a pitiful rebounder given the amazing talent some seem to think he possesses

and i've said multiple times that his lack of rebounding is an effort issue

with big men, that's what it typically comes down to: how much do they want to work

quote:

What use is a big that can't shoot and doesn't rebound?

well if you can see into the future and know that he'll never work on the court or off the court, then yeah he shouldn't be drafted until the 2nd round. you don't have that crystal ball and neither do i

expanding his entire career based on 1 season in college is silly

look at thomas robinson: couldn't even get on the floor as a freshman and avg 2.5/2.7. he's a bit better this year. hell he's a completely different player this year compared to last year, after he gave a frick and worked hard one offseason
Posted by SlowFlowPro
With populists, expect populism
Member since Jan 2004
478054 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:21 pm to
quote:

Unless you are defining it as "Best Potential Available," it is pretty cut and dry.

that's a big part of NBA drafting

anthony davis isn't likely going to be the best player for 2013, but he's the #1 draft pick without question

again, okafor v. howard
Posted by SlowFlowPro
With populists, expect populism
Member since Jan 2004
478054 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:22 pm to
quote:

As a tall athlete, he stands out. Maybe he could try his hand at beach volleyball.

because his developmental arc is already over at 18? he doesn't even turn 19 until right before the season starts and he can't improve?
Posted by TigerinATL
Member since Feb 2005
62446 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:23 pm to
quote:

Sixth seed is very optimistic I would think,


Maybe I should have said 7 rather than 6, but the difference between the 3rd tier of playoff teams isn't that great. Injuries and hot streaks determine who is 7 and who is 12 as much as talent. Just look at the Timberwolves, if they stayed healthy all year they'd be fighting for the 7-8 seed. They got some key injuries and will likely wind up the 12 seed. Hornets will be in that group next year.
This post was edited on 4/16/12 at 12:25 pm
Posted by corndeaux
Member since Sep 2009
9634 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:30 pm to
DraftExpress loves his offensive rebounding and defensive work. If he is the pick, they can't expect him to play 30 mpg as a rookie. Bynum needed time, so will Drummond.

If Demps/Monty see it, it's good enough for me. I think they've earned our trust so far
Posted by teke184
Zachary, LA
Member since Jan 2007
104497 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:32 pm to
quote:

anthony davis isn't likely going to be the best player for 2013, but he's the #1 draft pick without question



The difference is that the Unibrow produced in college and has the drive to succeed at the next level.

Drummond, though? He couldn't even succeed on a loaded UCONN team and he seems fairly unmotivated.


I don't mind using the second pick on him around the 8-10 range, but using the first pick on him is a big stretch unless we get the lottery from hell and our first pick is 6th overall.
Posted by Fun Bunch
New Orleans
Member since May 2008
130612 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:34 pm to
quote:

DraftExpress loves his offensive rebounding and defensive work. If he is the pick, they can't expect him to play 30 mpg as a rookie. Bynum needed time, so will Drummond.

If Demps/Monty see it, it's good enough for me. I think they've earned our trust so far



I agree with this, and I recognize his potential. I recognize he has elite talent. I recognize that you have to take chance, especially in a small market, and especially with Bigs, if you want to compete for championships.

The thing that bugs me about Drummond is the perceived lack of effort. He is only 18, but you have to hope that will change at the next level.
Posted by GynoSandberg
Bay St Louis, MS
Member since Jan 2006
74456 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:42 pm to
If we can't land Robinson or Davis, the next guy I want is Drummond. Like mentioned earlier, NOLA needs to draft a big if they ever want an elite one.

There are 2 or 3 guys in the draft every year who are "sure things". The rest are all risks. Guys like MKG and Beal can fail just as easy as Drummond. You just don't know.
Posted by Jester
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2006
34717 posts
Posted on 4/16/12 at 12:45 pm to
quote:

and i've said multiple times that his lack of rebounding is an effort issue


And you are willing to overlook that? I'm sorry, but not trying is about as bad as it gets. I don't want to draft a bunch of losers with soft egos.
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