The 10 Best NBA Seasons by Teenagers
1. Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons (2012-13)
This is probably surprising to most NBA fans, but Andre Drummond enjoyed a really successful rookie year with the Detroit Pistons. At age 19, the fact that Drummond started only 10 games doesn't come as much of a shocker. But Drummond appeared in 60 total games and played 20.7 minutes a night.
The athletic seven-footer produced 7.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. If provided more time, Drummond's numbers could have looked even better as his per-36 minutes averages stood at 13.8 points, 13.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks.
Drummond tallied .172 win shares per 48 minutes, which led a 29-53 Pistons team. Despite playing nearly 1,500 fewer minutes than teammate Greg Monroe, the teenager was close to Monroe in total win shares, with Monroe holding a 5.9 to 4.5 edge.
The Pistons struggled for two more years before cracking the top eight in the Eastern Conference. Drummond's only problem was fouls. Outside of that issue (which has been improved upon since), Drummond has proven himself one of the better and younger big man in the NBA.