10 Players the Philadelphia 76ers signed past their prime
By Tyler Watts
3. Andre Drummond
Drummond was a two-time All-Star and the league’s best rebounder during his time in Detroit. The ninth overall pick in 2012 quickly cracked the rotation and was a starter by year two. The 6’10 big man led the NBA in rebounds per game four times in five years from 2016-2020. Drummond also protected the rim and nearly averaged 16 points a night during his prime.
The Pistons traded him to the Cavaliers in 2020, which was the beginning of his decline. He lasted just over one month in Cleveland. Drummond has played for six different teams in four years, including Philadelphia.
The Sixers signed him to backup Joel Embiid in August of 2021 but traded him to the Nets in the package for James Harden. Drummond was only 28 when he arrived in Philadelphia. His minutes and production were trending down, though. They dropped further with the 76ers, and he lasted just 46 games.
His statistics and playing time continue to dip. Teams are just not interested in traditional centers, especially ones that cannot switch on the perimeter and guard multiple positions. Drummond remains an elite rebounder, but his athletic ability and minutes will continue to decline. The 6’10 big man was past his prime when the Philadelphia 76ers signed him, and it has only gone downhill from there.