Andre Drummond finalizes 5-year deal with Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons finalized a new five-year deal on Friday with All-Star center Andre Drummond for $130 million.

In a summer of many big payouts for various NBA stars, a new deal signed by Andre Drummond with the Detroit Pistons makes plenty of sense for both parties. After their star center patiently waited things out, the team finalized a five-year contract on Friday worth $130 million for the restricted free agent, according to NBA.com.

A press conference was held with Drummond and head coach Stan Van Gundy, with the coach praising his center’s patience. Van Gundy would note that Drummond waiting to finalize the deal, allowed the team to acquire other key players during the offseason.

The Pistons coach told the media, “I think it goes to Andre’s character, his true commitment to the Detroit Pistons – beyond just getting the contract.”

The Pistons center led the league in rebounds during the 2015-16 season, averaging 14.8 per contest while scoring 16.2 points per game. Drummond was also a mainstay on the court, participating in 81 games of the season, and achieved his first-ever All-Star appearance. In addition, the team was able to get into the NBA playoffs but drew a first round matchup against the eventual NBA champions.

However, locking up Drummond in a high-priced deal is definitely the right move in an era of basketball where big men are tougher to come by. Drummond has shown he has the ability to grab plenty of boards and score. Like several other big men, his major flaw is at the free throw line, where Drummond shot just 52.1 percent this past season and was forced to sit out games in key moments.

Moving forward with double-double threat Drummond in place along with leading scorer Marcus Morris and other talents including Reggie Jackson and Kentavius Caldwell-Pope along with new acquisitions, the future is looking very bright for this Pistons team.

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