Andre Drummond is the biggest risk-reward prospect in the 2012 NBA Draft.
6. Andre Drummond 6-11 278lbs UConn Freshman C/PF
2011-12 stats: 28.4 mpg, 10 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 54% fg, 30% ft
Prediction: Top 5-6 pick
Strengths: Andre Drummond might be the most athletic big man I’ve seen in my 20 plus years of watching high school, college and NBA basketball. Yes, that’s including Olajuwon, Shaq, David Robinson, and Dwight Howard, but I’m not saying he has the skill of these players. But if he puts in the work, and gets with the right big man coach, he could be really good. He is very raw offensively in the post, but did get better as the season went along and was a force on the offensive boards. Anything he catches near the rim is either a dunk or you have to foul him. Defensively, I’ve never seen a man his size with the ability to switch on pick and rolls, having the ability to defend wing players and stay in front of them. He averaged almost 3 blocks a game in just 28 minutes and changed a lot more.
Weaknesses: Andre Drummond is a late comer to the game and you can tell at times when it comes to his basketball IQ. At times he isn’t where he should be on the floor and ends up out of position when he could be under the basket for easy offensive rebounds and putbacks. Drummond is very limited offensively with his back to the basket right now and needs serious work. Drummond was over aggressive when it came to shot blocking and the results was early foul trouble and a seat on the bench.He only shoots 30% from the foul line, yes 30% people. He’s going to get fouled plenty in the NBA and he seriously needs to improve his mechanics at the foul line. Drummond has the athletic ability, all the physical tools to be a great center in this league, but does he want to be great? Will he work hard at his craft and maximize his talent? He is probably the biggest risk-reward player in this draft. He can either make GM’s look smart for passing up on him or cause a GM to lose his job for not picking him.
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