The Detroit Pistons just re-signed Andre Drummond to a massive deal, and rightfully so. Drummond projects to be the franchise cornerstone of the team for years to come.
However, despite all of his physical tools and improving play, Drummond still has a major Achilles’ heel. The center shot only 35.5% from the free throw line last season.
Even with the league placing some restrictions on hacking, that historically bad free throw shooting is a major detriment to Drummond and the Pistons. A high-usage player like Drummond invites plenty of opportunities to be fouled and placed at the free throw line.
Fortunately, it appears like Drummond is working hard to improve the biggest problem in his game. In his re-signing press conference, Drummond hinted at changing up his technique at the line:
#Pistons Drummond on FT: "I just try different tactics … we've found something that works and we'll stick with it — you'll find out."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) July 15, 2016
#Pistons SVG on Drummond: "I'm really optimistic he's going to come back and shoot free throws a lot better."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) July 15, 2016
Here’s hoping that Drummond shoots free throws underhanded next year. He’s already stated that he is willing to do anything possible to shoot better, including the vaunted underhanded shots. Let’s see it in action.
All this talk of Andre Drummond having improved his stroke is great. The Pistons doing everything to help him improve, including using virtual reality technology. But until we see it in action, this will be another in a long line of stories about poor free throw shooters shooting well in practice.
