Stan Van Gundy knows what the statistics said when Andre Drummond, Greg Monroe and Josh Smith played together last season. He's seen the videotape evidence to back up the numbers. But he's compelled to at least give it a try and see if using them differently produces different better results.
He's giving the Pistons a day off after Sunday's 91-89 preseason loss at Washington on the heels of heavy training camp practices stretching three-plus hours. But when they reconvene on Tuesday, he's going to install a package that attempts to allow all three players to do what they do best without getting in each others way.
"It wasn't a great lineup for them last year," he said before Sunday's game. "I don't see it as a primary lineup. But when were going against Carmelo Anthony at (small forward), LeBron James, he could very well be our best choice to match up, so what we haven't done is worked on what we want to do offensively with that lineup."
The plan is to take a look at them together in Wednesday's 11 a.m. game at Charlotte, devote another chunk of Thursday's practice to it and use it in at least one of the two weekend games at Orlando and Atlanta. Smith, he said, won't be stationed at the 3-point line. They'll use him on the baseline or at the elbows to maximize his passing ability always the thing Van Gundy talks about first with Smith offensively and his ability to finish around the rim, where he's made more than 70 percent of his attempts each of the past two seasons, a very high number.
What he saw from all three players in Washington surely will have further convinced it's worth a try.
Drummond and Monroe started together for the first time in three preseason games--it was Drummond-Smith in the first game, Monroe-Smith in the second--and they were marvelous. Drummond made all nine of his shots, Monroe 7 of 10. They combined for 39 points and 17 rebounds. Smith, playing over a mild groin strain, played only 18 minutes but made them count: eight points (4 of 7), four boards, five assists, three blocked shots.
Drummond's perfect shooting wasn't the result of lobs or put-back dunks, either. Five of his baskets were hook shots and another came on a deft left-handed scoop shot on which he was fouled. As much as the effectiveness of his hook shot, what struck Van Gundy was the poise and patience Drummond exhibited when fed in the post. He took his time to see where the defense was exposed and pounced, picking up one of his three assists when he found Kyle Singler for an open 3-pointer that gave the Pistons a two-point lead with two minutes left.
"It's a confidence thing," he said. "It's always been there, but it's been an issue getting it out of me, so I worked really hard this summer to bring that part of my game out and play with confidence when I do get the ball in the post. Now I'm making good decisions with the ball, backing my defenders down and then scoring or dishing the ball back out."
Van Gundy called it the best he's seen him play, including practices. Now he wants that to become his norm.
"I don't think there's any question today was the best he's been and what he has to understand now--and I know hes still young, but it's his third year--the best players do it night in and night out. It's not this way tonight and then it's different on Wednesday."
If he can come close to the daily consistency Van Gundy aspires to, it won't take long for NBA defenses to take notice. And that will only open up more scoring chances for Monroe or Smith on the other side and for the 3-point shooters on the perimeter. Drummond said his chemistry with Monroe is peaking.
"Thats a duo that can't be broken," he said. "We know each other from top to bottom, where we like the ball. We know where we need to go to get open. This tandem that we have is an awesome feeling."
Let's see how it looks next week, after Van Gundy installs a scheme that attempts to maximize the spectrum of the talents.