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The Reggie Jackson/Andre Drummond combination has been deadly for the Pistons, yet not in the way a traditional pick-and-roll tandem usually is.
One would think it works because Jackson and Drummond have great two-man chemistry, but that hasn't really been the case this year. Jackson's assist percentage, which was among the highest in the NBA after he came to Detroit last February, has dropped to a level more in line with his career norms. Drummond, meanwhile, has caught and finished a pick-and-roll only 13 times this season, per Synergy Sports data. That's the same number as nondescript Pacers big man Jordan Hill. In fact, Jackson has only assisted Drummond in a pick and roll between the two of them four times all season, even though that two-man action is the very foundation of Detroit's offense.
How can a pick and roll combination succeed with such an infrequent connection? Because of everything else it sets up.
Stumbled across this brillant SBnation article outlining exactly why our offense runs so well out of the Jackson/Drummond PnR and how it opens things up for everyone else (once they start hitting their shots).
It also shows how little Drummonds offense is manufactured by his PG. He really has developed his post moves and how his rebounding is aiding his scoring. Which I don't think will change much moving forward.
Is this a recipe for success long term? Will teams exploit it in the playoffs?