Detroit Bad Boys - Andre Drummond out 4-6 weeks with stress fractureA community of Detroit Pistons fans since 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48119/detroitbadboys-fave.png2013-03-29T12:01:07-04:00http://www.detroitbadboys.com/rss/stream/37187572013-03-29T12:01:07-04:002013-03-29T12:01:07-04:00Andre Drummond to make 1st career start v. Raptors
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Good Friday just got better: Andre Drummond will return to the Pistons' lineup Friday night against the Toronto Raptors. He will also make his first career start. </p> <p>At roughly 11:34pm ET, I received a notification on my phone from the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> that <span>Andre Drummond</span> will be making his return to the Pistons' lineup Friday night vs. the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a>. Even better, <b><i>he will be making his first career start</i></b>.</p>
<p>Just in case the Pistons' app was playing mind games, the <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/detroitpistons/status/317660940843761664" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">team's official twitter</a><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> and </span><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Keith_Langlois/status/317661337826242560" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Keith Langlois</a><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> have confirmed the news. And this is what was expected all along, </span><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Vincent_Ellis56/status/317661613530435584" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">of course</a><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">.</span></p>
<p>Drummond missed 22 straight games due to a broken back - a stress fracture to his fifth lumbar vertebra, to be exact. The rookie big man, who is the second-most productive player per minute by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thenbageek.com/players?direction=desc&sort=%22WP48%22">The NBA Geek standards</a><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">, returned to full basketball activities roughly two weeks ago and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2013/03/andre_drummond_return_friday_f.html">reportedly has been playing above the rim like he was before</a> the injury. While his recovery took longer than the predicted 4-6 weeks when first diagnosed, the Pistons could not be too careful with their rising star. Hashtag InArnieWeTrust.</span></p>
<p>That said, FINALLY. Thank goodness for this Good Friday.</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/29/4160764/andre-drummond-back-injury-first-career-start-pistons-vs-raptorsPackey2013-03-27T23:46:00-04:002013-03-27T23:46:00-04:00Reporter thought: Andre Drummond might play Friday
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<p>Day-to-day means he might play the next day the Pistons have a game, which is now Friday. </p> <p><a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a> fans reasonably got their hopes up on Sunday night and Monday morning when one <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/25/4144928/andre-drummond-return-pistons-vs-timberwolves-rookie-injury" target="_blank">Pistons beat writer tweeted his thought</a> that <span>Andre Drummond</span> might not only play but start Tuesday night's game. Drummond didn't. In fact, he was ruled out Monday afternoon, mere hours after my post and more than 24 hours before tip off.</p>
<p>Fool me once, shame on you; fool me... <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ux3DKxxFoM">you can't get fooled again</a>.</p>
<p>Until another Pistons beat reporter named Vincent tweeted his unconfirmed thoughts about Drummond's return:</p>
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<p>Nothing official, but I think Drummond might play Friday. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Pistons">#Pistons</a></p>
— Vincent Ellis (@Vincent_Ellis56) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vincent_Ellis56/status/316974259371134977">March 27, 2013</a>
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<p>Waiiiiit a minute. There's nothing here. We knew Drummond "might" play Friday. He's "day to day." He's been fully participating in practices. He's been dunking for several days, according to Ellis. <strike>He's instagramming at an incredible rate. </strike></p>
<p>Drummond might play on Friday. But then again, like <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/detroitbadboys/status/316206941988864000">I said on Monday</a>, he might not.</p>
<p>I hope he does.</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/27/4155446/andre-drummond-return-injury-pistons-vs-raptorsPackey2013-03-25T11:16:22-04:002013-03-25T11:16:22-04:00Andre Drummond will not play on Tuesday
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Andre Drummond's return from injury is close, but how close? </p> <p>I don't mean to pop the tank balloons, but <span>Andre Drummond</span> might return to the lineup as early as Tuesday night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a>.</p>
<p>As of two weeks ago, Andre Drummond was feeling <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/13/4099436/andre-drummond-update-back-injury-timetable-stress-fracture" target="_blank">no pain at all in his broken back</a>, but there was also no timetable for his return. I got the <i>feeling</i> that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a> were considering shutting him down for the rest of the season.</p>
<p>They may still shut him down; however, less than a week ago, <span>Lawrence Frank</span> called Drummond's progress "noticeable" and said he will definitely be on the court when he's healthy, because game experience can go a long way for a young guy. Well, Drummond has been <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20130323/SPORTS03/303230070/detroit-Pistons-Andre-Drummond-healing-back-might-yet-see-action" target="_blank">dunking for several days</a>, went through full team activities over the weekend, and despite not playing on Saturday is considered to be <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20130323/SPORTS03/303230070/detroit-Pistons-Andre-Drummond-healing-back-might-yet-see-action" target="_blank">day to day</a>. Sounds healthy to me.</p>
<p>After <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/25/4144698/pistons-vs-bobcats-final-score-" target="_blank">the Pistons' win vs. Charlotte</a>, beat reporter Vincent Goodwill raised the stakes a little:</p>
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<p>Not a betting man, but I think Andre Drummond makes his return, in the starting lineup, Tuesday night. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Pistons">#Pistons</a></p>
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) <a href="https://twitter.com/vgoodwill/status/315660473775312896">March 24, 2013</a>
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<p>Frank has played his hand close to the chest, but this would make a ton of sense given what we know about Drummond's recent activity. Further, the Pistons only have five home games remaining this season with two coming this week against similarly bad opponents - the Timberwolves and Raptors. Not a bad way to get the young big man's penguin feet wet again.</p>
<p>I anxiously await the Pistons' next move.</p>
<p><b> UPDATE</b>: Their next move sucks:</p>
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<p>Andre Drummond will not play on Tuesday, despite some reports to the contrary. Will Bynum also out.</p>
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) <a href="https://twitter.com/Keith_Langlois/status/316244829631832064">March 25, 2013</a>
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https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/25/4144928/andre-drummond-return-pistons-vs-timberwolves-rookie-injuryPackey2013-03-21T15:27:19-04:002013-03-21T15:27:19-04:00Andre Drummond practices, feels great
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<p>According to Keith Langlois on Twitter, Andre Drummond went through a full practice on Thursday and felt great, but he and the team are still taking it day by day. </p> <p>Just in case you aren't on Twitter and aren't following Keith Langlois, allow me to summarize some good news in pictures.</p>
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<p><span style="line-height: 9px;"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Andre Drummond went through full practice today. Says he feels great. Still no timetable for return, but he was very upbeat - and sweaty.</p>&mdash; Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) <a href="https://twitter.com/Keith_Langlois/status/314773913760579585">March 21, 2013</a></blockquote></span></p>
<div>Full. Practice. Blocks and Dunks?<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>
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<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Andre Drummond after going through full practice Thursday: "If you saw practice, you wouldn't have thought I got hurt."</p>&mdash; Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) <a href="https://twitter.com/Keith_Langlois/status/314777829332115456">March 21, 2013</a></blockquote></div>
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<div>I take this to mean Drummond feels like he's back to pre-injury form, which is awesome.</div>
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<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Drummond:"We go day by day. Today we went through the whole practice ... and I felt great. We’ll figure out what we're doing tomorrow."</p>&mdash; Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) <a href="https://twitter.com/Keith_Langlois/status/314778216462155776">March 21, 2013</a></blockquote></div>
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<div>At this point, I'm pumped about day-to-day. That means tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day, Andre Drummond might be playing basketball again. And let's be honest, even the most die-hard among us is going to have a hard time picking the Pistons over March Madness, amirite? </div>
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<div>Hurry back, Dre, but don't rush. The squad and the fans need you. </div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/21/4132658/andre-drummond-injury-update-practices-feels-great-is-day-to-dayBen Gulker2013-03-20T10:19:37-04:002013-03-20T10:19:37-04:00Will Andre Drummond be back soon?
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<figcaption>Will the Pistons see more dunks from Andre Drummond soon? | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>According to David Mayo at Mlive.com, participated in a team shootaround for the first time since injuring his back.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a> fans, rejoice! Slowly but surely, <span>Andre Drummond</span> continues to make progress toward return. Via <a href="http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2013/03/detroit_pistons_andre_drummond_13.html" target="_blank">MLive</a>, Drummond participated in the team shootaround prior to Monday's loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a>. </p>
<p><span>Lawrence Frank</span> called Dre's progress "noticeable," and went on to say,</p>
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<p>"I think any time you start to reintegrate a guy with your team, that's a positive thing," Frank said. "I think he's definitely on the right track. Obviously, we've been very conservative with this for very intelligent reasons. I think we'll just continue ... to up his work level every day."</p>
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<p>As to whether or not the Pistons plan to shut Dre down for the rest of the season as they ride the tank train toward the lottery,</p>
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<p>"If a guy's healthy, I think you want him to play, especially a young guy," Frank said. "It's not like he's played a lot of games. Now, if he's not healthy, regardless, obviously you would never do that. But this is a game where we're paid to play.</p>
<p>"If Andre is healthy enough, he'll definitely be on the court. If it's deemed that he's not healthy enough, then he won't."</p>
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<p>I think that's a good thing. Assuming Dre is completely healthy, he should play. The Pistons know that <span>Greg Monroe</span> and Andre Drummond are good players individually, but they don't yet know how Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond fit together. And it's reasonable to assume that this fit will be a very important factor in Joe Dumars' considerations as he begins a true rebuild this summer.</p>
<p>Hat tip to Rban <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/19/4122812/pistons-final-score-brooklyn-nets-119-detroit-pistons-82-march-18-recap#150866357" target="_blank">in the comments</a>. </p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/20/4127218/pistons-andre-drummond-injury-status-update-returns-to-team-activitiesBen Gulker2013-03-13T13:34:41-04:002013-03-13T13:34:41-04:00Drummond: 'No pain at all,' but also no timetable
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<p>Andre Drummond, who's missed 16 games with a stress fracture in his back, admits it's been "mentally draining" watching from the sidelines. But despite feeling "no pain at all," he won't rush his return.</p> <p>Earlier this week, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> announced that the medical staff was pleased with <span>Andre Drummond's</span> recovery from a stress fracture in his back and that he would soon resume basketball activities: </p>
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<p>"Team doctors, in consultation with Dr. Robert Watkins and Dr. Robert Watkins Jr. of Los Angeles, are pleased with the progress of Andre Drummond's recovery from a back injury. Under their guidance, Drummond will enter a second phase of rehabilitation and conditioning that will include a progression of basketball related activities. No timetable has been placed on Drummond's return to game action at this time. He will continue to be evaluated throughout the rehabilitation and conditioning process and further updates will be passed along at an appropriate time."</p>
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<p>But what does this actually mean? What does the "second phase of rehabilitation and conditioning" entail? Even Drummond doesn't know. From <a href="http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2013/03/andre_drummond_patient_even_if.html">MLive's David Mayo</a>:</p>
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<p>"Your guess is as good as mine," as to what that second phase will entail, Drummond said after Monday's loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> in Salt Lake City. "I don't know what Arnie has in store for me so I just listen to him. He knows the best for me, he's been through this situation before, so whatever he tells me to do I'll do."</p>
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<p>When the seriousness of Drummond's injury was finally discovered -- remember, he tried and failed to play through the injury for a couple of games before the team realized he had a stress fracture in addition to just a bruised tailbone -- the Pistons estimated that he'd be sidelined four to six weeks. That was five weeks ago.</p>
<p>The team's most recent statement, while sounding positive on the surface, reveals the old timeline has been thrown out the window. So when might Drummond actually return? From <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20130313/SPORTS03/303130129/detroit-Pistons-Andre-Drummond-feeling-great-tired-sitting-during-losing-streak">Vince Ellis of the Free Press</a>:</p>
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<p>"I'm just going to take it step by step and day by day," Drummond said. "We're not going to rush because we don't want it to come back again. But as of now I'm feeling great -- no pain at all. I'm just feeling great."</p>
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<p>At this point I'm starting to wonder if there's a chance Drummond sits for the rest of the year. By all accounts, his injury doesn't sound like the type that might become chronic, but it's easy to justify being extra cautious with a young cornerstone player. If that's the decision, though, I suspect it won't go over well with Drummond, who admitted that it's been difficult to watch from the sidelines while his teammates struggle. From <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130313/SPORTS0102/303130345/1127/Pistons-Andre-Drummond-works-his-mental-game">Vinnie Goodwill of the Detroit News</a>:</p>
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<p>"As a rookie, being my first year, it's tough," Drummond said. "Mentally draining and physically, it's tough watching. You want to help your teammates, but you can't at the moment. I just use this time to get better mentally."</p>
<p>He said he's watching the team with a new eye, learning more by sitting than when he is on the floor.</p>
<p>"I know when I come back I'll be mentally tough and ready to play," Drummond said. As for when he returns this season, a date he isn't sure of, he isn't worried about conditioning at all.</p>
<p>"I'm 19 years old, man. Young legs and young lungs," Drummond said. "Give me a few days and I'll be right back."</p>
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<p>What do you guys think? Should Drummond return just in time to shake off rust and regain his confidence before the end of the season, or should the Pistons hold him out and embrace Operation Tank?</p>
<p>Now your thoughts. </p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/13/4099436/andre-drummond-update-back-injury-timetable-stress-fractureMatt Watson2013-03-11T17:33:39-04:002013-03-11T17:33:39-04:00Drummond to resume basketball activities
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<p>Still no timeline on Drummond's return, but he's apparently making good progress.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a> released the following update this afternoon on <span>Andre Drummond's</span> recovery from a stress fracture in his back:</p>
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<p>"Team doctors, in consultation with Dr. Robert Watkins and Dr. Robert Watkins Jr. of Los Angeles, are pleased with the progress of Andre Drummond's recovery from a back injury. Under their guidance, Drummond will enter a second phase of rehabilitation and conditioning that will include a progression of basketball related activities. No timetable has been placed on Drummond's return to game action at this time. He will continue to be evaluated throughout the rehabilitation and conditioning process and further updates will be passed along at an appropriate time."</p>
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<p>The lack of timeline is disappointing but not surprising -- why set expectations and risk disappointment if the team brings him back slowly? I've always expected Drummond to return on the long end of his estimated 4-6 week absence, considering how cautious Detroit's coaching staff treated him when he was healthy.</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/3/11/4091162/andre-drummond-injury-update-stress-fracture-backMatt Watson2013-02-19T13:22:55-05:002013-02-19T13:22:55-05:00Drummond already pain-free
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<p><span>Andre Drummond</span> may not be <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/2/18/4001136/andre-drummond-bongos-drums-hoax">playing the bongos to rehabilitate his back</a>, but he must be doing something right -- it sounds like his recovery is progressing nicely. From <a href="http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2013/02/kobe-to-pistons_deal_in_2007_c.html">MLive.com's David Mayo</a>:</p>
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<p>Andre Drummond said during All-Star festivities in Houston that he is pain-free, more than a week after he was shut down for what was expected to be a period of four to six weeks with a stress fracture in his fifth lumbar vertebra. Drummond remains in a brace but doesn't expect to wear it much longer. He is expected back in mid- to late-March.</p>
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<p>Given the team's conservative, measured approach with Drummond when the young big man was completely healthy, I'm guessing they'll be even more careful with him while injured -- which means I doubt we'll see him until late March. </p>
<p>Drummond was healthy enough to enjoy his first All-Star weekend (<a href="http://instagram.com/andredrummond1/">check his Instagram feed for proof</a>), even if he couldn't play. And while he'll get another crack at playing in the <strike>Rookie-Sophomore game</strike> Rising Stars Challenge next year, it may not be very long until he gets to play in the main event on Sunday. <a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130218/SPORTS0102/302180351/1127/Peers-predict-All-Star-future-Pistons-rookie-Andre-Drummond">Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News</a> spoke to some current All-Stars to get their impression on Drummond's game:</p>
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<p>As for his play on the floor, it drew the attention of the All-Stars he hopes to join in a couple of years. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> forward-center <span>Chris Bosh's</span> eyes widened when he was asked of his impressions of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a> rookie.</p>
<p>"He's big, God," Bosh said. "I've never seen someone that big so young. He's huge."</p>
<p>[...] First-time All-Star <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> echoed Lee's feelings, when asked if he was surprised by Drummond's freakish athleticism.</p>
<p>"Yes, and his quickness, it's something that's allowed him to use his length," Aldridge said.</p>
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https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/2/19/4005394/andre-drummond-injury-update-stress-fractureMatt Watson