CAMDEN, N.J. — While the biggest name the Philadelphia 76ers acquired in free agency is Paul George, the Sixers also brought in another important piece in Andre Drummond. Philadelphia needed a backup center to Joel Embiid and they got a good one.
Drummond played for the Sixers to begin the 2021-22 season before he was sent to the Brooklyn Nets in the James Harden deal. The big man expressed in the past that he was upset with the trade as he enjoyed his time in Philadelphia.
Now that he’s back with the Sixers, Drummond recalled his first stint with the team and is looking forward to winning with this team.
“There’s a few things,” he started. “First of all, just the city itself, the way they embraced me. Coming here and being one of the guys that went up against Embiid early in his career, battled with him, and had those long nights–and to be here now, to play alongside of him, have him embrace me and be here to help him out in the best way I can, and then the team! We had a great core here. We’ve still got some guys left, so I’m excited to see those guys again.”
The veteran out of UConn then turned his attention to the fan base. He wasn’t a favorite of the Philadelphia fans before his stint with the Sixers, but he grew to love them and they loved him back.
“Philly definitely is one of the best fan bases I’ve played for — easily,” Drummond stated. “It’s definitely one of the top fan bases I’ve played for. I love playing here.”
Drummond has historically been one of the top rebounders in the history of the NBA. He is a 2-time All-Star and a starter on playoff teams in the past. He isn’t worried about any of that now. The goal is to win and to do it in Philadelphia so he is ready for any role coach Nick Nurse has in store for him.
“That ship has sailed,” Drummond added. “I don’t really care anymore. That ego is gone. I’m here to win basketball games. I think individually, I’ve done everything I can to make my career what it is, but at this point, I wanna win so I’m happy with whatever role I can get.”