Andre Drummond's mindset heading into the new season with Chicago Bulls - "I want to be known as the best rebounder to play this game"
In this story:
Andre Drummond
© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Andre Drummond is a man on a mission. He's heading into his first season with Chicago Bulls with the same mindset he had the first moment he stepped onto an NBA court: to be known as the best rebounder ever to play the game.
Starter-level production from the bench
The Bulls have the utmost luxury in the frontcourt with a two-time All-Star, four-time rebounding champion, and all-NBA player coming from the bench. Playing behind an All-Star center is not news to Drummond after he spend most of last season playing a reserve role to Philadelphia star Joel Embiid. Even with Nikola Vucevic entrenched as the starter for the Bulls, Drummond made it clear that he's ready to make an impact whether he's coming off the bench or in the starting five.
"I'm a player that is able to adjust and adapt to any situation. If my services are needed to be a starter, I can be that. If my services are needed to be a spark off the bench, that's what I'm here to do. My ego is not something that is driven by this game. I play the game because I love it," said Drummond.
"My job here is to be the best teammate possible and help this team in any way possible. Whatever role that may be, I have to accept it."
Rebounding machine
Drummond's role has drastically changed of late. From being the focal point of Detroit's offense and having averages of over 15 rebounds a game for four straight seasons to making stops in Cleveland, Los Angeles, Philly, and Brooklyn, Drummond has been a journeyman in the truest sense of the word. And while his role has changed, one thing has remained constant: Drummond is one of the NBA's best rebounders. Last season, he averaged over 10 rebounds per game in only 22 minutes in 24 games for Brooklyn.
"I take pride in it. It's something I hung my hat on from my rookie year, wanting to be known as the best rebounder to play this game. That's what I set out to do," Drummond said.
