Golden State Warriors: The Next Wave of Superstars
By John Kim
Dec 21, 2012; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (1) during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at The Palace. Pistons won 100-68. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
C: Andre Drummond, DeMarcus Cousins
Andre Drummond was one of the youngest players in the NBA last season at 19 years old. Despite the age, Drummond was one of the most physical intimidating players in the league. At 6 foot 10 inches and 270 pounds, Drummond was not just strong, but supremely athletic.
Drummond is becoming a dominating defender in the paint. The Pistons had a team-defensive rating of 108.1 – Drummond’s defensive rating was 99. When Andre was on the court, opposing teams scored nearly ten fewer points. As he learns the intricacies of post-defense, Drummond will become one of the best defenders in the NBA.
On the other end of the court, Drummond is average at best, but at such a young age, there is plenty of time for improvement. His .371 free throw percentage will need to improve and his back-to-the-basket play needs some refinement, but his athleticism and quickness already makes him one of the best pick-and-roll centers in the game.
In three seasons, DeMarcus Cousins has become one of the most frustrating players in the NBA. At 23 years old, Cousins possesses an insane amount of talent, but little self-discipline and determination. Last season, Cousins averaged 17.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals in just 30.5 minutes per game.
Cousins has an innate ability at pursuing rebounds and ranks among the league leaders in rebounding. His defense leaves much to be desired, but that is more a reflection of his effort than ability.
With new ownership, a new head coach and coaching staff, Cousins will find himself in an environment conducive to growth in the seasons to come. If he can focus on bettering his play, Cousins will find himself as the best scoring and rebounding center in the league, bar none.