Pistons to give Drummond more touches in the post

Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy understands that the future of his franchise largely depends on the continued growth of center Andre Drummond.

The 21-year-old Drummond has impressed through two seasons in the NBA. His career per-game averages of 11.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks speak volumes about his unique ability to impact the game.

However, despite his production, Drummond remains significantly limited on offense, feasting primarily on pick-and-rolls, transition baskets and put-backs. That's why Van Gundy has Drummond pegged for more post-ups.

“We’re really trying to throw the ball to Andre in the low post more than we did a year ago,” Van Gundy told Perry A. Farrell of the Detroit Free Press. “It’s not just lobs. We’re trying to give him the ball down there.

"I thought was good because he really got a chance to go up against legitimate NBA size in that game against Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson (on Saturday versus the Chicago Bulls). His shooting percentage may come down a little bit, but I don’t expect it to come down a lot.”

Drummond received 4.7 close touches per game last season, but that number pales in comparison to other centers around the league. Players like Al Jefferson and former Van Gundy protege Dwight Howard both averaged over eight touches per game on the low block.