The Celtics Have Reportedly "Emerged" As A Contender For Andre Drummond

I change my mind every two seconds when it comes to Andre Drummond. It dates back to when I was told from fellow Celts fans that Ainge should trade Hayward for Drummond last year because the money matched. That was wild. He's a big name and someone who is about as elite at rebounding as you can find, but I'm just not so sure it makes sense. At the same time, let's not pretend like the Celts frontcourt couldn't use some help at the moment. 

But is Drummond the right type of help?

First and maybe most importantly, Joel Embiid owns this man's life. I'm not even being dramatic. If you're thinking is, "well he would be a big body to throw at Embiid", the answer is no. 

I'm starting to think that maybe this is just Ainge leaking shit to leverage the Lakers to give Drummond more money or something. Looking closer at what Drummond is as a player, you can see why it might not be worth it to use a buyout spot on him (if they decide to do that)

- He's shooting just 51.9% at the rim and 43% in the paint. That's pretty terrible

- NBA.com has literally zero tracking data of him defending the P&R ball handler. Love that

- In defending the roll man this year, he ranks in the 51st percentile. Offensively as the roll man in P&R, he's at the 8th percentile this year and was in the 27th percentile in 49 games as a Piston last year. 

- In defending post ups he's pretty good against everyone not named Embiid, coming in at the 93rd percentile

- But offensively in post ups, he shoots 43% and ranks in the 30th percentile

- He does not stretch the floor at all. He has taken just 9 FGA outside of the paint all year. Last year in a larger sample, he took a total of 18 midrange jumpers and a total of 42 threes. 

There is no doubt his rebounding is a huge plus, but I'm not sure that alone makes him worth it. Especially when I think they should also be looking at point guards and other stretch bigs that might be more attainable. Maybe someone like this

Dieng actually does stretch the floor, can hit threes, and has a career 22% DREB%. He fits more stylistically to how the Celts like to play. Did you know he's shooting 53/47% this year on 2.2 3PA a night? That's certainly not nothing! 

I just think that when it comes to Drummond, he's more name than someone that can actually help. I just don't see how he fits. You already have two centers who are not floor spacers, why use one of your precious roster spots on someone who does the exact same shit? You need lineup versatility. 

There's also the reality of if the Lakers are interested in him, why the hell would he choose Boston?

I guess the only way to spin my brain is maybe what we've seen from Drummond these last two seasons has more to do with situation and system? Is he even down to come off the bench? Because I thought the whole point in trading Theis was to increase (and eventually start) Rob's opportunity. 

So personally, I would keep looking. But maybe there's something I'm missing so I'll ask you. If the Celts have a legit chance at landing Drummond, do you want him?

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