Andre Drummond has long been known as one of the best rebounders in the league. Last season, he averaged 14.9 PPG and 12.0 RPG, despite having the lowest MPG since his rookie year. This upcoming season, he will be shifting into a role as Joel Embiid’s backup, and a starter when Joel Embiid sits.
When asked about his role with the 76ers, Andre Drummond seemed like he was focused on just fitting in with the team. He stated that he wanted to be “a great locker-room guy”, and lauded Doc Rivers for getting him to join the 76ers.
“My priorities here are just to be open-minded and accept what comes. Be ready to play, bring hard work, bring toughness to this team. Just gonna try to gel with these guys and make sure everybody’s together, be a great locker-room guy. … I think Doc was very smart for taking a chance on getting me. There’s a lot I have to offer.
There are definitely some teams that Andre Drummond would start on in the league. Having him as a backup on the 76ers is definitely a luxury, and it is quite possible that even as a backup, he’ll get solid minutes.
The 76ers are a bit of an unknown right now, as the Ben Simmons situation is still going on in the background. Simmons hasn’t yet been traded, but it is likely that he will eventually get moved. The return for Ben Simmons is an unknown right now, but despite his shortcomings in the playoffs, the 76ers are still a better team with him than without him.
The 76ers only have so many years left of Joel Embiid’s prime, and hopefully, they are able to surround him with a championship-caliber team. Andre Drummond in a smaller role could potentially be a piece of the solution.
