The Philadelphia 76ers made a solid free agent move in the offseason by bringing in two-time All-Star Andre Drummond on a veteran’s minimum deal. The Sixers have been in need of a solid backup behind Joel Embiid and Drummond has given them a reliable big man.
In Monday’s 111-91 win over the Houston Rockets, Drummond delivered a solid performance: 13 points on 6-for-8 shooting with 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. He was a plus-13 off the bench, and he gave the Sixers a big spark when the team needed it with Embiid off the floor and resting.
He has been productive off the team’s bench, which is exactly what they needed. Being here also has helped Drummond revitalize his career after a failed stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Drummond had a great game,” said coach Doc Rivers. “Drum has been playing so well for us. It’s so good to see. You look at this guy last year, he couldn’t get on the floor, and now you watch him play, he’s happy, he’s playing hard. He’s been really good and great in the locker room, too. So just a great addition for us.”
With the Sixers down essentially all of their guards on Monday — Tyrese Maxey, Shake Milton and Seth Curry were all out — they needed somebody to handle the ball. While they really relied on everybody, Drummond also handled the ball which was funny to watch from Rivers’ standpoint.
“Everyone brought it up,” said Rivers. “Drum brought it up, which was a disaster, but he did and that’s what we have to do.”
The fact that Rivers can poke a little fun at Drummond this early into his tenure in Philadelphia is a good thing as the backup big fella can take a joke and keep it moving.
“Yes, humility,” added Rivers. “We all do. I mean, if you don’t have that in our game, you can’t laugh at yourself in this game, you got a long career.”
In his first season with Philadelphia, Drummond is averaging 6.4 points and 9.2 rebounds with 2.0 assists and a block off the team’s bench. That is not bad for a guy who is only on a veteran’s minimum deal. He seems to be settling in now about halfway into the season.
“I think just being more comfortable, being more aggressive,” Drummond said after the win. “I think early in the year, I was more just kind of feeling out what needed to be done, what was expected of me for this team, but now it’s more so just playing the game that they know I can play, being aggressive on both ends of the court. When I get the ball, try to dunk it as much as I can and continue to be efficient, passing the ball, and getting guys open.”
The Sixers will benefit greatly if Drummond can continue his strong play throughout the season. This is good for the team in January, but the real judgment will remain what happens in April and May.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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