Drummond describes how Embiid convinced him to return to the Sixers originally appeared in NBC Sports Philadelphia
Andre Drummond was more than happy to answer his former rival’s call.
He went from fighting Joel Embiid to supporting him in the 2021-22 season. And when Embiid learned this summer that a second stint with the Sixers for Drummond could be on the cards, he wanted to make sure.
“I would talk to him periodically throughout the year,” Drummond said Tuesday afternoon at the Sixers’ training complex in Camden, New Jersey. “Whenever he had good games or was on my mind, I would check on him. We always maintained constant communication, so this relationship never died.
“The moment he found out there was a possibility of me coming here, he called me immediately. I respected that; I loved this the most. He FaceTimed me like, ‘Bro, are we doing this? What are we doing? What is happening?’ His general excitement was really what motivated me to come here.”
Drummond is back after being traded to the Sixers for James Harden, spending half a season with the Nets and two with the Bulls.
He decided to sign a two-year, $10 million contract in free agency who has a player option for the 2025-26 season.
“I definitely had a few different options I could have looked at, but this one made the most sense to me,” he said. “It’s family, I know what I’m going to get here and we have a great team.”
In addition to playing behind Embiid and stepping into the starting role whenever the seven-time All-Star is sidelined, the Sixers are hoping Drummond can resolve his recovery issues from last season.
The Sixers ranked 26th in defensive rebounding rate during the regular season and second to last during the playoffs, according to Glass Cleaning.
“I think that’s why I’m here — to eliminate a lot of these problems,” Drummond said. “I’m happy to be valued in that sense, to see the bigger picture. Not just being here for the season, but seeing my skill set for the playoffs. I’m excited about it.”
It’s almost impossible to overstate Drummond’s consistent rebounding excellence.
Last year, he led the NBA in rebounding percentage. He is number 1 of all time in this statistic. At 30 years old, he is 33rd in league history in total rebounds (10,671) and 14th in rebounds per game (12.4).
“I’m proud of it,” Drummond said. “I set out to do this since my rookie year – to be the best there ever was to do this.
“And I still maintain that to this day: I’m the best rebounder to ever play this game and I’m going to make sure I leave that mark.”
He obviously has a very clear idea of what he will provide the Sixers when Embiid goes to the bench.
“Now that I’m back, they know what to expect from me,” Drummond said. “You are going to buy a dog. You are getting exactly what you are looking for. You’re getting someone who’s going to fight and bring that strength, bring that energy every night.
“I don’t back down from anyone and I’m here to light some people’s asses on fire.”
