Breakout Ballers: Top five young players to watch next season

Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)

Life hasn’t been pretty in Piston-land in recent years, and the once proud franchise have struggled through an unsuccessful, rebuilding process. But they saw some potential in rookie Center Andre Drummond last season. This year, instead of joining the fray of other tanking squads, they decided to move into the offensive, signing Josh Smith as a free agent and trading for Brandon Jennings. Now, also loaded with big man Greg Monroe, the team looks good enough to make the playoffs in the East. Whether or not they break into the offseason, expect an entertaining year for this young squad, and some solid development from their big man. Drummond is an exciting, athletic, and high-IQ talent. A slew of other talented teammates might take away his shots a bit, or conversely, help open his own offensive opportunities. We hope for the latter.