Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond - Can this pairing work?

When the Pistons traded for Blake Griffin last week it seemed like such a weird fit: a Hail Mary move by Stan VanGundy as a last-ditch playoff run on the back of a fading superstar with a (possibly terrible) long-term contract. My biggest concern from a fantasy and general basketball x’s and o’s sense was how Griffin would work with Andre Drummond in the offense. Drummond isn’t DeAndre Jordan and I suspected the facilitation of the offense through two players who spend time in the high post would be a clogged mess. I’m prepared to have been wrong about that initial assessment.

The Pistons won the game, squeaking out a two-point victory against an already bad Memphis team playing without Tyreke Evans. But it’s worth noting that the Marc Gasol/ Jarell Martin/ Jamychal Green combo makes their frontcourt defense at least moderately imposing.

Griffin finished with an impressive 25 point, 10 rebound, five assist line while Drummond put up 14 points and 15 rebounds. What I liked the most in watching this game was how Griffin and Drummond were able to begin working off each other on the offensive end. Here are some examples of how they used both their athleticism and threat of interior scoring to keep Memphis on their heels.

Floor Spacing

This is the second Detroit possession of the game. Drummond catches at the top of the key (a way Detroit has run many sets). Blake drifts out to the right corner (not a spot he took many shots with the Clippers). Drummond keeps Gasol high, eliminating the chance for help when Blake starts his drive. Once Blake is able to get around Martin, there’s little resistance on the interior. He was lucky to make the shot, but the spacing is encouraging.

Drummond Dives to Basket

Also early in the game, Blake catches at the right shoulder and Andre flashes a screen. Blake can knock down this shot among the best in the league, forcing Gasol to contest because Blake has now picked up the dribble. But Drummond’s dive is way too quick for anyone to adjust and Blake sees it. This kind of movement is 100% leftover from the Clippers’ offense. Drummond blows the bunny, but this is just the kind of high post set Griffin and Andre could be deadly putting together.

The Threat of the Screen

Here, in a mini-transition set, Griffin uses the threat of a Drummond’s screen to work Green out of the equation. Green is forced to consider how to fight through Drummond (or switch) and in doing so shifts his balance completely. This is where Griffin’s athleticism still trumps defenders. He’s able to blow by for an easy basket. It's easy to think this is all Griffin, but Drummond's size on screens has defenders looking out of the corner of their eye more than usual.

Switching Nightmares

And finally, a play from the second half. Drummond and Griffin get into another high pick and roll set. This time Memphis has to switch Martin and Gasol on the Drummond dive, leaving Gasol out on an island to deal with Griffin. The Pistons all know it and clear out instantly for the isolation. Blake then goes to work.

All in all, it's only one game. And we'll have more a sense of how teams attack this duo on defense once they've had time to study tape. But the initial returns are encouraging.