Who would have thought that the Lakers, who did not have thick eyebrows and old Zhan, would have turned over the big favorite Nets of this season's championship? The Lakers' best performer in the whole team is Drummond, who scored 20 points and 11 rebounds. But who remembers that zhuang shen was abandoned by the pistons and knights like a hot potato?
Many people may have forgotten that Drummond's talent was enviable. Before the 2012 draft, both the North American Scouting Net and ESPN ranked him first among players of his age. The tall body, sufficient tonnage, excellent strength, coupled with excellent running and jumping ability, give Zhuang Shen the potential to become a dominant inner line. More importantly, Zhuang Shen's feel is very soft, and the technology is also comprehensive. His physical test data is even better than thick eyebrows, and many draft predictions regard Zhuang Shen as a top 3 level rookie.
However, watching Thick Brow, MKG and Bill shake hands with Stern one by one, Drummond's name was not pronounced for a long time. It wasn't until the 9th pick that the Detroit Pistons took off the big, promising man. The reason is only because the first eight teams do not trust him. In their worldview, Zhuang Shen may not be able to adapt to the NBA at all, just another jumping man.
In the rookie season, Zhuang Shen's performance can only be regarded as poor due to back injury. However, in the second grade, Zhuang Shen, whose playing time soared by 12 minutes, became a two-pair monster with an average of 14+13 per game. In the rookie challenge, he slashed 30 points and 25 rebounds. Winner of the Rookie Challenge MVP.
In the following seasons, Chuang Shen's performance gradually improved. Twice selected as an All-Star and three times as a rebounding champion. Before being traded by the Pistons in the 19-20 season, Chuang Shen averaged 18 points and 16 rebounds per game! Logically, such an internal line should be regarded as a treasure, right? And yet -
On February 7, 2020, the Cleveland Cavaliers sent John Henson and Brandon Knight plus a 2021 second-round pick from the Detroit Pistons to Andre Drummond. It was an insult to Drummond, sending him out on two garbage contracts and a second-round pick, which was undoubtedly an insult to a two-time All-Star. Zhuang Shen himself was also difficult to accept, he posted a photo on Twitter and told his children - do not trust anyone.
After the transfer of the Cavaliers, Chuang Shen continued his strong performance, and at the beginning of the season he led the Cavaliers to the top eight, and he was about to lead the Cavaliers back to the playoffs. However, the continuous wave of injuries made the Knight gradually lose its competitiveness, and after reaching a consensus, Chuang Shen was also put on the shelf by the Knight.
To be fair, a super center who averages 18+14 per game in a season is worth the last first round signing. But there is no one in the trading market. Even after eight consecutive seasons of averaging at least 13 rebounds per game, Drummond still doesn't get the respect he deserves. In the end, Chuang Shen and the knight reached a buyout agreement. Subsequently, as a free agent, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers.
And then you saw the game against the Nets. Zhuang Shen flipped the inside line of the Nets, and he exploded the Nets' starry inner line group. Imagine how terrifying the Lakers will be when Thick Brow and Old Zhan return from their injuries? We also believe that in the next game, Chuang Shen will prove his worth. As JR Smith said when he joined the Cavaliers — garbage in one person's eyes, treasure in another's eyes. And today's Zhuang Shen is the treasure that the Lakers need most.