Over the years, the Philadelphia 76ers have immensely struggled finding a competent backup to Joel Embiid. That very failure to get him and the team a viable center who can spell him off the bench and also start games form time to time when the superstar is not playing is also one of the reasons why the team has never really been able to formulate a better preservation plan for the former MVP.
But with the resurgence of Andre Drummond, the 76ers have lowkey granted Embiid’s presumed longtime wish. A former All-Star himself, the veteran big man has re-emerged as a vital piece of the puzzle for Philly this season, which is actually a tad surprising given that his first season back with the franchise last season was far from impressive.
Through 15 games, Drummond has logged 8.6 points and 10.6 rebounds per game while also converting on more than 56 percent of his shots. All of those numbers are an increase from what he tallied last season, and his minutes have also climbed up to 24.3 a game from last season’s 18.8 per outing.
In short, Drummond has been very reliable, and the 76ers could not ask for more for someone who is supposed to back Embiid up.
Andre Drummond has bolstered the 76ers big man rotation behind Joel Embiid
Entering the season, there were discussions about whether Adem Bona should completely usurp Drummond in the rotation. That, however, has been quickly dispelled by the fact that the veteran, now healthier than last season, has returned to being the best rebounder in the entire league while being a passable finisher around the basket.
With Embiid missing games due to a supposedly minor setback, Drummond has become all the more important. He has been starting games in lieu of the All-Star, and that should remain the case moving forward with the 76ers exercising extreme caution with Embiid.
Even when Embiid and Bona return, Drummond should be the safe bet to assume the backup center minutes and then some. After all, Embiid will probably never return to being a 30-minute player, making Drummond all the more instrumental for the team for the short term.
As long as Drummond keeps his resurgent act up (and Embiid eventually returns), the 76ers will have competent center play for 48 minutes — something they have not had for a decade.
Hopefully, Andre Drummond can remain consistent as a double-double force. After all, the 76ers need every possible bit they can get to make life easier on Joel Embiid.