Pistons' Drummond: 'I'm going to win the rebounding crown again'

Andre Drummond may have just signed a max-level contract, but the new deal has done little to curb his motivation going into the upcoming season.

After winning the rebounding title during last season's breakout campaign, Drummond fully expects to do it again, especially if his improved free-throw shooting allows him to stay on the court for longer.

"I’m going to win the rebounding crown again. I’m going for it - no doubt about it," Drummond told Keith Langlois of nba.com. "Try to get back to the All-Star game again and try to bring another guy with me, Reggie or (Caldwell-Pope) or Marcus (Morris) or Tobias. Be able to stay in games longer, knowing I can be fouled and shoot the shot. Really just pushing my teammates to be great. I’m really excited for everybody. This is a huge year for (Caldwell-Pope), a huge year for Reggie to come back and be a better player. Tobias, another year for him to come back and show the league why he belongs on this team, and Marcus, he continues to prove everybody wrong - that he is a hell of a player."

Drummond won the rebounding title by a wide margin in 2015-16, collecting 139 boards more than his closest competitor.

Not only does Drummond project a great season for himself, but he's also expecting big years from his Piston teammates, as he believes Detroit possesses one of the youngest and most talented squads in the NBA.

"I think this is it for us. I think we have a great core," Drummond said. "Our starting five is probably one of the youngest in the league. Our bench is actually very young, as well. The group of guys we’ve got here is great."

The Pistons tip off their season Oct. 26 against the Toronto Raptors.