Every NBA team’s MVP, from Kevin Durant to LeBron James
By Tom West
Detroit Pistons: Andre Drummond
Even though his 2015-16 season has slowed down ever so slightly, Drummond started out by looking like an early MVP for not just his team, but the league itself. He can put up 20-20 games like no other, and he didn’t wait around this year after grabbing 20+ boards in three games within the first 10 days (two of which games he had more than 27). With that kind of uncontainable ability to control the glass, it’s not remotely surprising that he’s leading the NBA with a career-high 16.5 rebounds per game.
Drummond simply can’t be stopped inside. He has such a powerful 6’11”, 279 lbs frame and can force his way through opponents for good positioning and use his explosiveness to elevate above them. He’s led the league in total offensive rebounds for the last two seasons and he’s doing it again now with 120; DeAndre Jordan is 2nd, but with 77 he isn’t even close.
At the other end of the floor, Drummond is just as much of a force in the paint with 1.4 blocks, 1.9 steals and 11.1 defensive rebounds per game. His presence inside has also given him the most defensive win shares (1.9) and 4th best defensive rating (92.2) in the NBA this season.
It’s not just rebounding, defense, and nothing else, though. Drummond’s offensive game is still relatively limited, but it’s improving. His footwork is more precise, his spin moves seem more effective, he’s making 44.9 percent of his hook shots, and is making a career-high 38.3 percent of his attempts from 3-10 feet out. Yes, his range isn’t great, but he can still make a real impact with his hustle and 18.6 points per game.
He’s leading the Pistons in so many areas, and without him their 9th ranked defense falls apart.
Next: Boston Celtics