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The Toronto Raptors shouldn’t trade for Andre Drummond

By Mark Birdsell

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 30: Fred VanVleet #23 and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors react to a basket as Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on October 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 30: Fred VanVleet #23 and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors react to a basket as Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on October 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Marc Gasol (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

How does Drummond compare to the Raptors’ current centre rotation?

The Raptors have been dealing with injuries all season. This is especially true for the team’s big man rotation. First, it was Serge Ibaka. Now it is Marc Gasol. Given how little both have played this season, it is easy to forget just how effective Gasol and Ibaka were during Toronto’s title run.

Any trade package for Drummond would likely start with either Gasol or Ibaka. Both have large expiring contracts. It is unclear whether the Raptors can retain them beyond this season or if Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster even want to.

At 34 years old, Gasol is not the player he once was. However, Gasol is still a former Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Star. He is a cerebral player capable of functioning as a playmaker or the team’s defensive anchor. Gasol won’t overwhelm you with athleticism the same way Drummond does, but as Joel Embiid can attest to, Gasol is still very effective at this stage of his career.

Ibaka, on the other hand, was having a career year last season before Gasol’s arrival. In 51 games as a starter, Ibaka averaged 16.4, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. After Gasol adjusted to his new team, Ibaka was shifted to the bench. Instead of complaining, Ibaka continued to do what was asked of him.

Once again this season, Ibaka has continued to play well. He is no longer just a shot blocker. Ibaka has transformed into a career 35.5 percent three-point shooter. His game has evolved and at just 30 years old, Ibaka should have at least a few more productive seasons left in him.

Drummond, on the other hand, is younger than both Gasol and Ibaka. At 26, Drummond better fits the timeline of players like Pascal Siakam (25), Fred VanVleet (25), and Norman Powell (26). Even so, there are questions about how much Drummond actually impacts the game and makes his team better.

Since drafting Drummond, the Pistons have only made the playoffs twice. They were swept in the first round in 2016 and 2019. The Pistons are currently 13-23. FiveThirtyEight projects that the Pistons will finish the season 32-50 and miss the playoffs after only returning to the postseason the year prior.

The Raptors are the defending NBA champions and a top-four team in the East. They are capable of beating anyone. While the Raptors may not be favourites to repeat, I guarantee none of the other top teams in the conference want to face them in a seven-game series.