Smart holding Drummonds minutes down

BRIGGS · Post #1 » by **BRIGGS** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 3:11 am

No reason to play him more than 24-27 minutes tops in year 1. This team wasnt going anywhere--hes young 18-19 years old. His body still needs to mature despite how powerfully built he is. You want him to have a nice 15-17 year career. Hes a guy who uses those knees a lot and weighs 280 pounds. His game time will increase next year as he develops normally. The one thing I would change is I would put him in the starting line up and move Monroe to 4. That is the future--so that should be embraced for some cohesion down the line.

seeKEVolution · Post #2 » by **seeKEVolution** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 3:14 am

Yeah I agree with the move for the most part... it also keeps us in the running for a better pick in the draft. Hopefully the lottery is on our side for once. I honestly think him coming off the bench does something for him psychologically as well. Allows him to get used to the league. Can't wait till he starts tho, should be fun.

Post #3 » by **dVs33** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 3:30 am

i think it was smart not to force minutes on him to begin with, but he looks ready to take on more now. I think after the all star break we'll see him getting closer to 30 than the 20 he's curently getting.
I think frank has managed him pretty well so far.

jaredtyshaf · Post #4 » by **jaredtyshaf** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 3:45 am

Obviously bringing him along slowly has worked and been the correct choice, but it is clear he is ready to start.

Just like bringing him along slowly was great for his development, not giving him more minutes when his is ready could stunt it.

DetroitPistons · Post #5 » by **DetroitPistons** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 3:54 am

If Frank knew how to coach rotations and Drummond started from day 1 our playoff chances would be much better. Just because he has been successful off the bench doesn't mean it's the right decision to keep him their. He very well could've been just as effective, if not more, if he had started early on.

Kilo · Post #6 » by **Kilo** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 3:59 am

I say do whatever Arnie says. And I suspect Arnie believes players are at highest risk for injuries when they're fatigued. Drummond also had bad wind/cardio coming into the season, which is to be expected for a 19 yr old 290lb player - work him up to starter minutes gradually, and help build his confidence playing against second units or starters who might be a little tuckered if they've been in from the tip.