Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond is doing a fine job filling in for the MIA Joel Embiid. With the 2022-23 MVP continuing to be sidelined, Drummond, who signed with the Sixers over the summer, is racking up rebounds like he’s done much of his career. If you’re paying any attention to Philly, the 76ers are getting exactly what they wanted from Drummond, and he is proving his value in the most productive way he can.
Andre Drummond is One of the League’s Top Rebounders
While Joel Embiid Sits, Andre Drummond Eats
He once self-appointed himself as the best rebounder to play the game, but Drummond, who is on his second go around in Philadelphia, is proving to everybody that rebounding is his greatest basketball strength. Drummond’s rebounding efforts have remained his best overall stat in his 13-year career. His career rebounding average is a whopping 12.4; for the current season, he’s upped that percentage to 13 RPG. He’s also averaging double-digit points (10) per game as well. While that’s far from what Embiid would be averaging, Drummond is still producing effectively on both ends of the floor in Embiid’s absence.
Unfortunately, Drummond will eventually take a step back upon Emiid’s return to play. However, the 76ers must be feeling pretty good about the production they’re getting from Drummond. Considering Emiid’s injury risk and the fact that he might miss a large handful of games due to load management this season, Drummond is in a prime position to play a lot of minutes and contribute to a team with deep playoff aspirations.
Top 3 In Rebounds Across the League
Drummond is joined by Oklahoma City Thunder giant Chet Holmgren and Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac for the league’s top three rebounding leaders. Zubac leads the league with 14 rebounds per game and 42 total rebounds. He collected 18 of them against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Holmgren and Drummond are currently tied at 13 rebounds per game. The amazing thing is that Drummond has played 85 minutes in total thus far. Holmgren and Zubac have played 98 and 110 minutes respectively. With fewer minutes, Drummond is still tied or almost in first place in the category. That’s what you call dominating the boards.
During his first stint in Philly, Drummond averaged nine rebounds per game. He was one of the league’s best defensive and offensive rebounders at that time, playing 49 games for the Sixers. He is replicating that production for the 76ers a second time, and as he stated in a press conference during Philly’s media day, Drummond knows he was brought back for rebounding.
“…thats why I’m here. I’m the best rebounder to ever play the game. I’m here to do just one job, and thats help this team win. You want me to say that again? You want to record that? Yeah, I’m the best rebounder ever. Ever.”
Talk about unfiltered confidence. Whether he truly is the game’s best rebounder ever, what does it matter? He’s doing precisely what Philadelphia signed him to do. You never want to wish injury or missed playing time for any player. For Drummond’s sake, though, let’s hope his playing time stays relatively high when Embiid returns. Drummond deserves to eat, too.
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