NBA Season Preview 2018-19: The Pistons are stuck in the Medium Place

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 3: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a pre-season game on October 3, 2018 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons talks to the crowd during their open practice at Crisler Arena on September 29, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Starter: Andre Drummond

Depth: Zaza Pachulia

I just mentioned that I think we’re collectively underrating Griffin a little bit and I kind of think we’re doing the same thing with Andre Drummond. He’s a very good player! A bit anachronistic and not the type of player you want to build a franchise around, sure, but he’s still very good and a much better defender than he gets credit for. He has led the league in total offensive rebounds five consecutive seasons. And he can shoot free throws now, making over 60 percent last season, which is a huge improvement over his previous career high of 41 percent.

The problem is that his offensive game remains rudimentary. He’s an athletic rim-runner out of the pick-and-roll who can convert alley-oops and easy baskets from the restricted area, but remains incapable of much else. He has no shot to speak of, which is ultimately fine considering his skill set and role, but you’d like to see a bit more of a post game than he has in light of that. Regardless, he’s a deserved two time All-Star even if it appears that he’s reached his ceiling.

Next. Meet the 2018 NBA 25-under-25. dark

Backing up Drummond will be Zaza Pachulia, fresh off two titles with the Warriors. Pachulia is entering his sixteenth NBA season so you pretty much know what you’re going to get with him. He’s limited, but capable of rebounding, defending, and scoring easy buckets in a limited role. Also, when you play him, there’s a not entirely unrealistic chance that he’ll injure his opponent by playing recklessly, which is kind of his calling card.