Andre Drummond is happy to be back after a six-game absence

Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond is happy to be back on the court after a six-game absence.

The former All-Star missed time with a sprained shoulder but returned to action on Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. He had two points, five rebounds, and an assist but committed two turnovers. Drummond was also a +13 in his 12 minutes on the floor.

Injury vs. Spurs

Drummond sprained his shoulder on October 28 against the Spurs after a hard fall off a foul by Zach Collins. He said his shoulder didn't immediately hurt then, but he started to feel pain the following day.

"That was pure adrenalin. But I felt it right after the game was over," said Drummond, who added he could not lift or move his left arm for a while, leaving him on the sidelines for six games — an eternity for the 10-year pro.

"It's a long time. If anybody knows, I don't miss too many games in my career, so six games in a row is a lot for me," he added.

Drummond has a track record of durability in the Association, playing at least 73 games in seven of his 10 seasons. After undergoing rehab and some four-on-four action, the medical staff decided Drummond was ready to return to the lineup.

Andre Drummond — questionable vs. Pelicans tonight with left shoulder sprain — is scrimmaging 4-on-4 after Bulls shootaround

Here’s a snippet: pic.twitter.com/sgAQpAMsbI
— Rob Schaefer (@rob_schaef) November 9, 2022

Cautious return

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan opted to stay cautious with his reserve big man, playing him in short bursts in yesterday's loss.

"I didn't think he started great, which is totally normal with all the rust and not being able to play competitively," Donovan said. "I thought his second stint in the second half was really good. I thought he gave that group some pretty good energy."

Drummond's return will boost the Bulls' interior presence on both ends of the court. The 29-year-old is averaging 8.0 points and 9.4 rebounds in just 16.8 minutes of action, as he looks to get back into rhythm after returning from a six-game injury.