Q&A with Andre Drummond: Talking rebounding, NBA2K and East Coast hip-hop

As the longtime face of the Detroit Pistons, center Andre Drummond has enjoyed exceptional highs and troubling lows over his six seasons in the NBA.

This year, Drummond is leading a team on the cusp of playoff contention for what would only be the second time in his career. With recent Pistons acquisition Blake Griffin, Drummond has formed one of the most fearsome frontcourt combinations in the Eastern Conference, and he recently earned his second All-Star nod as a result of his punishing work on the glass and expert low post court vision.

Drummond spoke with FanSided over All-Star Weekend from the Mtn Dew Kickstart Courtside Studios where he was interacting with NBA All-Star fans and showcasing his off the court lifestyle. From now until March 19, fans can participate in the #CourtSidekickContest. Drummond spoke about his experiences in the NBA, his involvement with the Special Olympics and who the best (and worst) NBA2K players are in the league.

FanSided: Congratulations on your second NBA All-Star selection. This is your sixth season in the league; looking back, what was your first big “Welcome to the NBA” moment, when it really hit you?

Andre Drummond: I think probably the first time I played against Miami with LeBron and D-Wade together. They blasted us. (Writer’s note: Drummond must be referring to his second meeting with the LeBron-era Heat, which resulted in a 110-88 loss for his Pistons, because in the first, Detroit beat Miami 109-99, albeit without Dwyane Wade playing on the other side due to suspension). That was … an interesting moment for me. I was still just coming into my own at that time.

FS: They were blasting a lot of teams then, so I wouldn’t feel too badly about that. You’re having a career year, averaging 15 points and 15 rebounds per game. How do you stay motivated to do some of the low post grunt work against teams who are sometimes sending three or four players to box you out on the boards and keep you from scoring and rebounding?

AD: When you want it more, you don’t even notice that they’re there. That’s my thing: The way I play, you just see what you want and go for it.

FS: Your biggest obvious improvement this season has been in free throw shooting, going from under 39 percent last year to 62 percent this season. What has changed during that time?

AD: It’s just my focus at the line and just believing in myself. It’s just knowing that I can shoot the free throw.

FS: The Pistons have gone 6-3 since Blake Griffin’s arrival at the end of January. How has the feeling in Detroit changed since Griffin joined you?

AD: Everybody’s energy has really been up. Having another superstar guy on his level has definitely been fun for all of us, and it’s really been great for us, so we look forward to just building chemistry.

FS: You’ve also more than tripled your assists from last year, as well as your career mark, and you’ve gotten a lot more comfortable making passes from the elbows. How much of this is a cognizant effort on your part versus just making plays as you see them in the flow of the game?

AD: I think for me it’s just the vision and having that natural knack to pass the ball. The open passes come from knowing where the guys want the ball. The more work I put in, the better I got at it.

FS: Off the court, you’ve got a variety of interests, including fashion and improv comedy; notably, you’ve dabbled in hip-hop. Who are some of your favorite hip-hop artists?

AD: Nas, and I love Biggie. Lil Wayne was big for me, Tupac … I got a lot of guys that I listen to.

FS: You also frequently sing to your followers on social media. Which do you just flat-out enjoy more: rapping or singing?

AD: Singing, probably. Nobody expects it.

FS: It’s well-known that a lot of players in the league play NBA2K, and you’ve been featured on 2KTV. Who are some of the best 2K players in the league?

AD: Paul George, myself and Reggie Jackson’s pretty good. I think that might be it among people I’ve played.

FS: Who are some of the worst?

AD: The worst would probably be Blake.

FS: You are passionate about the Special Olympics. How did you initially get involved?

AD: I was a Special Olympics head coach for All-Star Weekend for my first two years, and I fell in love with the whole event, and I was presented as an ambassador, so I’ve just been truly honored to represent these kids.

FS: What is a typical pregame meal for you?

AD: It really varies on what I’m looking to eat at the time. Rice, salads and fruits.

FS: You grew up in New York and Connecticut. What do you miss most about the East Coast?

AD: I miss the energy out there and the East Coast vibe. We still get a chance to play out there every season, so I still get to see my family and friends.

FS: If you were not a professional athlete, what profession would you most likely pursue?

AD: I probably would be in acting.

FS: You’ve talked before about getting braces as an adult; as I am someone who is self-conscious about his teeth, what advice would you have for anyone looking to do that?

AD: I mean, just wear it. F*** it. Who cares what anybody thinks? You’re doing it to better yourself, you’re not doing it for them.

FS: Can you tell us about your involvement in Mountain Dew’s Kickstart campaign this weekend?

AD: It’s been great! I’ve gotten a chance to talk about myself outside of basketball. Jamal Murray was here, and we got to talk about finding ourselves organically.

Next: The best dunkers and donuts at All-Star Weekend

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.