Among the many Sixers rookies, there is one returning player, and that isAndre Drummond. Nikola Vucevic's backup for two years at the Bulls, the former All-Star pivot returns to Philadelphia where he had a short stint during the 2021/22 season with 6.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals on average.
Three years later, here he is again, and it was Joel Embiid himself who recruited him. “I play against the best center in the league every day, so not only does he get the best out of me, but conversely, I get the best out of him because he challenges me,” explains Andre Drummond. “He knows I'll never back down from him, and that's been the case since I got to Detroit.”
Supporting Joel Embiid is not something you can refuse
Clearly, to give his best in a match, Joel Embiid needs to be pushed in training. I think that's why he respects me, because no matter what level he is, he can beat me, but I'm going to keep fighting. I'm going to push him to be even stronger. I'm going to push him to be the best player he can be, to show the world why he's the best center.”
In Philly, Andre Drummond also knows that he will play mentor with rookie Adem Bona, but he is especially there to help Joel Embiid give the best of himself.
“He's a dominant player, but he's also a hard worker who really wants to be a great player,” he concludes. “You can't help but support a guy who's trying to do a lot for a city or a team. I'm happy to be here to take the pressure off him and win a lot of games.”
