Among the Andre Drummond supporters, few are more ardent than Tom Gores. The Pistons owner has stood behind Drummond since the team drafted him ninth overall in 2012.
In fact, Gores reportedly nixed two separate trades that involved Drummond during the Stan Van Gundy era.
Not true, Gores said Monday night after watching the Pistons get swept out of the first round of the playoffs by the Bucks.
"Oh, I don't want to discuss that. And that's not probably – you probably have the facts wrong," Gores said.
Considering the size of Drummond's contract compared to his value on the floor, trading him could certainly be to the Pistons' benefit. It would free up loads of cap space and allow the team to build a more stable foundation.
One way or another, Detroit could use a shake-up to a roster that doesn't appear to be working.
Again, Gores would disagree.
"There were a lot of things that were working," he said. "We had some adversity this year. I'm very proud of the team for getting through it, and we'll regroup. But as far as Andre goes, he's an underappreciated player in the game. I'm sorry, I just think he is."
Raw production has never been the question with Drummond. He's led the NBA in rebounding three of the past four seasons and this season posted a career-high 17.3 points per game.
The question is whether his skill set is relevant in today's NBA, especially at such a gargantuan cost. Drummond, 25, is set to make about $55 million over the next two years.
Between Drummond and Blake Griffin, the Pistons are built around two frontcourt players in a backcourt-driven league. "They're our core, for sure," Gores said earlier this season.
Asked Monday night if that remains the case, Gores said, "They're great players."
Beyond that, he wouldn't delve much into the team's offseason plans. He said he wants to meet first with head coach Dwayne Casey and acting general manager Ed Stefanski, among others.
Drummond said he hopes the roster remains intact heading into next season.
"I don't control what goes on in the front office. I mean, obviously I love playing with each and every one of these guys here, top to bottom. Hell of a team and a very enjoyable season for me," said Drummond. "I would love to play with each and every one of them again next year."
As for the critics calling for him to be traded, Drummond smiled and said it's nothing.
"Why would that bother me? They can't control what goes on here," he said. "I just play my game. Everybody has an opinion, I guess everybody is a basketball critic. I just play my game. I can't pay it any mind."
