Billy Donovan praises Andre Drummond for putting the team first

"He always does what’s best for the team."

© David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

It can be easy for some veterans to pout and sulk when they aren’t given many minutes or as significant a role as they’re used to, but that hasn’t been the case for former two-time All-Star and All-NBA team member Andre Drummond. 

The 30-year-old center has embraced his role with the Chicago, coming off the bench and providing valuable minutes as a backup to All-Star Nikola Vucevic.

In the postgame interview after Chicago’s 118-113 win over the Atlanta Hawks, Bulls coach Billy Donovan praised Drummond for his selfless attitude and team-first mentality.

Does whatever he’s asked for the team

The former UConn star has spent most of his 11-year NBA career establishing himself as one of this generation’s best rebounders. He’s third on the list of active players with the most rebounds in their career, with 10,199 across his name. 

After earning many individual accolades during his time with the Detroit Pistons, Drummond may have earned the right to demand more than the 14 minutes he’s playing per game this season.

But the Bulls have not heard a single peep from the veteran. Instead, he’s been a consummate pro, supporting his teammates from the bench and staying ready for when his number is called. On Tuesday, it was, and Drummond delivered a massive stat line of 24 points on 11-of-13 shooting, 25 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in 39 minutes of action.

“He was awesome,” Donovan said.

“I’m really happy for him just because every day he comes in, he works. He’s about the team. And a guy of his caliber and what he’s done in his career, he’s probably a guy, like he said, who deserves more minutes and could have played more minutes. But he always does what’s best for the team,” Donovan continued.

This @AndreDrummond stat line!!!

24 PTS | 25 REB | 2 BLK | 3 STL | 11-13 FG pic.twitter.com/Jyw76xab3l

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 27, 2023

Stayed ready

Dre knows what he can do and is confident in his abilities. The only question was playing time. With Nikola Vucevic not missing a single game last season up to this season before suffering the adductor injury a few days ago, the minutes for Drummond were limited.

But when his number was called upon, he made sure to make an impact on the court.

“Whatever he’s given minute-wise, he’s kept himself ready to play. But certainly, with Vooch being out tonight, we needed a big effort from him. And he was really instrumental,” Donovan gushed.

Andre Drummond after scoring. Too small! pic.twitter.com/LNWCCKBdsW

— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) December 27, 2023

Andre Drummond delivers a historic performance in his first start of the season