Andre Drummond was brought to Philadelphia for the second time in his career to be the backup center behind Joel Embiid. While he was signed to serve as a backup, Drummond’s mentality could not be further from that.
During the Sixers’ media availability, which took place Monday morning and afternoon at the team’s practice facility in Camden, New Jersey, Drummond spoke to media members about his role with the team this upcoming season and his relationship with his teammates.
As soon as the first question was asked, which centered on Philadelphia’s need in the rebounding department. Drummond minced no words when answering, saying:
“That’s why I’m here. I’m the best rebounder to ever play the game. I’m here to just do one job, and that’s help this team win.”
Drummond paused as the sound of fingers flying across keyboards and phone screens rang throughout the room.
“Do you want me to say that again? [Do] you want to record that? Yeah, I’m the best rebounder ever, ever.”
This was no joke by Drummond; there was no sense of uncertainty, no wink following his statement. Andre Drummond truly and deeply believes his words. While basketball fans could debate for hours on end about the best (insert skill here) in the sport’s history, it is clear as crystal that Drummond was and is among the greatest rebounders of this generation.
Drummond has never been a player short of confidence, a key trait in nearly every professional athlete. This confidence has allowed him to evolve not only into a generational rebounding talent but also make the transition from a starter to a starting-caliber reserve.
It’s the combination of this confidence and his on-court ability that allows Drummond to flow seamlessly between starting and coming off the bench. It’s not a skill that just any player can pull off successfully, and it’s not always a crucial ability, as player roles are often more defined. For Philadelphia, Drummond’s value is significantly higher to the team because of this ability.
Despite Joel Embiid’s reported weight loss, there will continue to be precautions in place for the Sixers’ star, whether it’s the second night of a back-to-back, a long, arduous road trip, or an injury in the worst case. Drummond’s role with the Sixers will not simply be that of a reserve. There will almost certainly be opportunities for him to start and/or play starter minutes.
Immediately following that question, Philly Sports Network asked Drummond about that aforementioned confidence and how the notion of him playing the role of a reserve despite his self-proclaimed starter ability may give him a chip on his shoulder to go out and dominate in his minutes.
“I’ve always had that chip on my shoulder. I still believe, to this day, I’m a starter in this league. And that’s the mentality I walk on the court with, regardless if I play 15 [minutes] or [if] I’m starting. So, with that mentality, you’re going to get the best out of me each and every night. That’s why I’m here, which is to bring that energy, that force.”
It’s undeniable that Andre Drummond is ready to commit to winning in Philadelphia. After missing out on an opportunity to do so in 2022, when he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the James Harden trade, there appears to be a sense of unfinished business in Philly for Drummond, perhaps even adding to that chip on his shoulders.
