Pistons center Andre Drummond and senior advisor Ed Stefanski brushed aside specific questions about a potential extension during the team’s Media Day on Monday. Drummond said he’s happy in Detroit and wishes to remain there.
“I love being here. I love playing in Detroit,” he said. “I’m looking forward to continuing my time here.”
Stefanski refused to talk about any potential negotiations. Drummond, who could be the top free agent on the market next summer if he opts out of the final year of his contract, has requested extension talks, according to Vince Ellis of the Free Press. Prior to opening night, Drummond can opt in for the 2020/21 season and add up to three additional years.
We have more on the Pistons:
- Coach Dwane Casey hopes to give Blake Griffin more nights off this season to keep him fresh for the playoffs. Griffin was hobbled by a knee injury late last season and underwent arthroscopic surgery after the season. “We rode him like a cheap horse last year,” Casey said. “If we didn’t, I don’t think we would have made the playoffs because he was that special to us.” Griffin won’t resist any load management strategies. “For me personally, I’m going to let our staff and front office lead the way on that,” he said. “It’s not going to be me going to them asking for games (off), it’s not going to be them fighting with me. I’m going to listen to them.”
- Veteran swingman Joe Johnson, who signed a partially guaranteed contract, is essentially competing with big man Christian Wood, who was claimed off waivers, for the last roster spot unless a player with a fully guaranteed contract is traded or waived. “There’s no added pressure on me,” Johnson said. “This opportunity came about and I’m thankful for it but it wasn’t my purpose. I still do love the game, I keep myself in great shape, so to be able to get a chance to compete with these guys, it will be fun.” Johnson, who also worked out for the Sixers, cancelled four scheduled workouts to sign with Detroit.
- Drummond expressed his desire to play in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He withdrew from playing with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup this summer in order to focus on the upcoming season. “I would love to play in the Olympics,” he said. “Who wouldn’t want to play in the Olympics? It would be a big-time thing to be a part of. To play for that gold medal is huge, so I would be very honored to play for them.” Griffin was non-committal about his interest in playing for Team USA in the Olympics next season. “It’s just so far away,” he said. “I’ll definitely address that at the proper time.”
Really kinda like the Pistons ever since Dwayne Castey jumped on board. They have an interesting roster stuck between competing and rebuilding
Id suggest swapping Galloway and Thomas for Jae Crowder. Would make the team a lot better in terms of actually winning games.
A tough Detroit team of Crowder Griffin and Drummond would be really physical for small teams. Crowder and Griffin can also still provide decent 3 point shooting.
Snell and Kennard share SG, Kennard gives you more firepower and Snell more physical defensive pressure.
Off the bench you have D Rose as a leader, Joe Johnson and his ISO game, either Snell or Kennard, Markeeif Morris is another good vet. Bruce Brown, Doumbouya, Wood and Thon Maker then make your young pieces.
I think that lifts the team from 40 wins to closer to 50 wins.
Also like the idea of trading Reggie Jackson for Goran Dragic both 1 years PGs on similar deals.
The Pistons could do with Dragic who would be more of a creator and leader and plays defense better. The Heat get Jackson who is arguably a better scorer which would let Butler and Winslow handle the ball more and have Jackson just shoot it. It also saves the Heat a little money and maybe Reggie fits that culture better than Dragic
“Rode him like a cheap horse?”
Another joker who was nowhere to be found when the World Cup was found wanting. Leave them off the Olympics team, teach them a lesson. You don’t want to show up when we need you then take a hike.