So I'll say it. I think the team should start figuring out what Drummond would be worth in a trade. That is not a dig on Drummond, more a reflection of the roster. The teams top 5 sports exactly one above average shooter, and exactly once real shot creator. That's a death sentence in today's nba, and shows in our consistently poor offense. Drummond, though a great player, is the worst kind of fit for a team like ours. He needs shooters to open the lane, and he needs playmakers to get him the ball where he can finish. This team isn't getting anywhere with or without Drummond right now.
But he's still great, probably the best rebounder in the league with the athleticism to be really good defensively. This is a down year for him, but being surrounded by mostly poor defenders doesn't help. Put him on a team with legitimate shooters and playmakers, and he will wreck rims. Put him on a team where he doesn't have to do all the work in the post defensively, and he could flourish.
The Pistons are in a bad place in the standings and with talent. They've paid too much for too little, and are capped out. The only realistic way to improve is getting new players with more potential.
Trade idea
BOS gets: Andre Drummond
Boston has a real chance to make noise in the playoffs, but lacks individual difference makers. They also happen to be one of the worst rebounding teams in the league. Drummond could thrive next to sweet shooter, and great passer Horford. And would clean up around the rim as defenses key in on Thomas. Drummond can do everything Johnson does, but he's younger, more athletic, and signed long term (Johnson is about to get a big contract this off-season that will take him into his mid thirties).
DET gets: Jaylen Brown, Amir Johnson, and Brooklyn's pick (top 3 protected this year, unprotected next year). Johnson slides in as backup C/PF then leaves at year end. Brown becomes the new "Stanley Johnson's unfulfilled promise." Maybe he makes something of himself, maybe he fights with Stanley for backup minutes, but at least he has talent and potential. The real prize is Brooklyn's pick. It stays top three protected this year so Boston has one more shot at a superstar. We ultimately can wait as the team isn't going anywhere now and will have its own lottery pick this year.
