PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia 76ers are set to welcome back veteran center Andre Drummond. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and other sources, Drummond will ink a two-year, $10 million deal with the team, bolstering their roster for the upcoming season.
Drummond’s Journey: From Detroit to Philly and Back Again
Andre Drummond, approaching 31 this August, is well-known for his rebounding skills and defensive prowess. Starting his NBA career with the Detroit Pistons, he quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Throughout his career, Drummond has pulled down an impressive 13.3 rebounds per game on average.
Drummond’s first run with the 76ers was brief but impactful. During the 2021-22 season, he played 49 games before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the James Harden deal. In his short stint, Drummond averaged 6.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, leaving a positive mark on the team.
Recent Stint with the Bulls and Continued Success
For the past two seasons, Drummond donned a Chicago Bulls jersey, backing up Nikola Vucevic. Last season, he played in 79 games, including 10 starts, averaging 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds in just over 17 minutes per game. His 10 starts were particularly impressive, nearly averaging a whopping 18 rebounds per game.
Drummond’s return to the 76ers comes at a crucial time. The team is looking to beef up its frontcourt, and Drummond’s role as a top-tier backup to Joel Embiid will be key. Embiid missed a big chunk of last season due to a knee injury, making Drummond’s rebounding skills and defensive presence all the more valuable.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Offseason Strategy and Future Outlook
The Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up for a busy offseason. With significant cap space and multiple assets, they’re not just stopping at Drummond. The team is eyeing other big-name free agents to build a strong roster around Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. They’ve even shown interest in LA Clippers forward Paul George, the top free agent available.
Tyrese Maxey, who had a breakout season and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player, is expected to get a big payday as a restricted free agent. The Embiid-Maxey duo gives the 76ers a solid foundation as they aim for a deep playoff run next season.
The 76ers also made a smart move in the recent NBA draft, picking UCLA center Adem Bona to add more depth to their frontcourt. Drummond’s deal will become official on July 6, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the team.
Drummond’s Playful Hint and Fan Excitement
In a fun twist, just before the news of his signing broke, Drummond tweeted about craving a Philly cheesesteak. This playful post got 76ers fans buzzing with excitement about his return.
I’m in the mood for a Philly cheesesteak 🫂
— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) June 30, 2024
To sum up, bringing Andre Drummond back is a smart move by the Philadelphia 76ers. His rebounding and defensive skills, plus his familiarity with the team, make him a valuable addition as they aim for greater success in the upcoming season. With Drummond on board and other potential moves in the works, the 76ers are shaping up to be a team to watch in the Eastern Conference.
