Andre Drummond to the Lakers: Pros and Cons
While he may have been a more valuable player 20+ years ago, the Big Penguin still has his qualities that make him useful in today’s game. He is one of the greatest rebounders in NBA history in an era where gigantic rebound numbers don’t happen nearly as often. He is the all-time leader in total rebound percentage and 3rd in offensive rebound percentage behind stalwarts Dennis Rodman and Moses Malone. He’s also still only 27 years old.
Drummond is a decent passer out of the high post and can move his feet okay defending in space. He averages 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks for his career. He also has incredible brute strength which could be a plus against Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid in a 7-game series. While he may not be the dominant rim protector you’d expect, Drummond is still very solid and Frank Vogel, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis would get the best out him.
He is also extremely durable. Since his rookie season, Drummond has only missed 10 games in his career in Detroit and has mostly missed time the last couple seasons due to trade rumors. His durability and health would be important given Davis’ injury-plagued season and Marc Gasol’s age.
However, Drummond’s finishing at the rim has fallen off drastically this season shooting just 54.5% from there. He isn’t quite the super explosive athlete he used to be, but is still pretty good. As of writing this, he is shooting only 43.6% on layups, 3rd worst in the league.
With LeBron, Drummond could get more dunks even if the spacing on the offense is not ideal. Dre would have to stomach a much lower usage rate than his career average of 22%. If he buys in the way Dwight did, the former all-star could have a resurgence as a role player.
Furthermore, while Damian Jones has looked decent in his short stint, let’s make no mistake about this: Andre Drummond is much better and can contribute some playoff minutes. I think Jones has shown he deserves a roster spot in the NBA. He can be useful for other teams as backup lob threat and shot-blocker. But Drummond would be much better for this team.
Now, with Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell, and Anthony Davis, do the Lakers really need another center besides injury insurance? They could trade Gasol or Trezz for a perimeter player and add Drummond as a replacement. I doubt it happens though.
At the end of the day, the Lakers’ trump card is AD at the 5. They could use another floor spacing wing who can stay on the floor in a playoff game instead. If Otto Porter is bought out and on the Lakers’ radar, I’d prioritize him. Drummond at best would be an innings eater against bench lineups or a body to throw at Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid. That’s not to say there isn’t value in that because there is. I just think Porter’s 3-D archetype would be more valuable to LAL.
However, having different types of players in Gasol, Trezz, Drummond, and even Markieff Morris gives Frank Vogel lots of options and flexibility when it comes to matchups in the playoffs. If the Lakers need floor spacing, size, and ball movement, you go with Gasol. If you need a go-to-scorer and energy guy, you go with Trezz. If you need physicality, second chance opportunities, and athleticism, you go with Drummond. If you need a solid shooter who can punish smaller players in the post on switches, you go with Keef.
The Lakers currently have one open roster spot and would have two if they don’t extend Damian Jones when his second 10-day expires. Their rotation is already crowded at 11-deep when healthy. I doubt Talen Horton-Tucker gets significant playoff burn, but it depends on matchups. Other than the 5 starters, Harrell, Kuzma, and Caruso, I don’t think anyone is guaranteed playoff action. Keef and Wesley Matthews can play spurts here-and-there depending on matchups. A 10-man rotation is just unlikely as the playoffs continue.
Given Drummond’s motor, I think he can thrive a lot in 1-2 five-minute shifts per game in the postseason. Matthews and Keef are rhythm players and the crowded rotation has hurt their consistency, in my opinion. I don’t think Drummond would have that same issue because his game isn’t built on building a rhythm, but rather physicality and aggression.
At the end of the day, it never hurts to add talent if it doesn’t come at the expense of the team. I think Drummond would be a solid addition and would give Frank Vogel another wrench in his toolbox. Even if he is only good for one playoff series, that’s more than enough. We saw that with Dwight last year versus Denver in the Western Conference Finals. He could also be signed long-term this offseason due to Gasol’s age. Again, I would still prefer Otto Porter if he’s an option, but I would happily take Drummond on this team.