Dec. 09, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson (44) reacts on the court during the game against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Drummond was the 9th pick in last year’s draft, and has had an overall successful season with the Detroit Pistons. However, due to his recent back injury, which will sideline the young center for four to six weeks, he will not have the pleasure of participating in the All-Star festivities in Houston this year.

While Drummond has not played big minutes this year, he is still extremely efficient, holding a 22.53 player efficiency rating. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Andrew Nicholson, of the Orlando Magic, will replace Drummond in the All-Star Rising Stars game:

Orlando’s Andrew Nicholson chosen to replace injured Andre Drummond in Rising Stars game on All-Star weekend, league source tells Y! Sports.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 10, 2013

Nicholson was selected 19th overall in the 2012 NBA draft, and has put up several impressive performances as he adjusts to the NBA. Mostly due to the absence of Glen Davis, Nicholson’s minutes have increased in February, as he is averaging 25.6 minutes per game this month. In Orlando’s last game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Nicholson had his second-best scoring performance of the season, contributing with 21 points and 8 rebounds in a losing effort.

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June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; Andre Drummond (Connecticut), right, is introduced as the number nine overall pick to the Detroit Pistons by NBA commissioner David Stern during the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Hot prospect for the future: new rookie Andre Drummond?

Andre Drummond has been playing good in the preseason and Detroit Pistons fans are excited about his performances. In three games he has scored 11 points per game but he only played 6 minutes in one of the games. Against the Magic two nights ago he played his best game and had an efficiency rating of 24 which can be categorized as star level. He finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals against the Magic. The Pistons drafted him 9th overall with hopes of him reaching his seemingly unlimited potential. Playing alongside Greg Monroe in the post will help him get there sooner rather than later.

Detroit Pistons preview for the season

The Pistons have plenty of talented players but overall the team is in need of a leading star player. Monroe and Drummond are the most talented prospects and Brandon Knight should be a better guard this season too. The Pistons have plenty of overpaid players on their team like Charlie Villanueva and Corey Maggette. The Pistons should find a way to get rid of those players to succeed in future. One or two important free agent signings in the future will make the Pistons look better in upcoming years but not the 2012-13 season. I am also a big fan of Rodney Stuckey and I think he can be a big part of this young improving team this season. Another big question for the Detroit Piston is keeping Tayshaun Prince. Prince was a key player for the Pistons in the past but he is not gelling with his current teammates.