Andre Drummond felt blindsided by trade, misses playing for Sixers
PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers had to make a move at the deadline in 2022. They had a nice roster led by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris, but something had to be done about the Ben Simmons situation.
Simmons was still holding out form the organization and it looked like no resolution was in sight for either side to get him back in a Sixers uniform. President Daryl Morey, coach Doc Rivers, and co. had to do something to end the saga and bring in another piece for their title quest.
So they sent Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and picks to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden and Paul Millsap. While the focus was on Simmons and Harden, the loss of Drummond hurt the Sixers as he was the best backup big man Philadelphia had during the Embiid era.
Now with the Chicago Bulls, Drummond opened up on his time in Philadelphia, how he felt after the trade, Embiid, and his relationship with Rivers.
Recalling his time with the Sixers
“I think just how much of a family this organization is. They welcomed me, they made me feel very comfortable when I got here. As a team, we just had a lot of fun as a team. We really cared about each other. We had one common goal which is to win as many games as possible and be great. I’m sad that we had to break things up in February. I definitely miss playing here. I had a lot of fun playing for Doc, somebody who I’ve known since a boy and have so much respect for him so to have the chance to play for him was awesome for me. The city of Philadelphia, man, the fan base is one of a kind. I loved it here.”
On if he felt blindsided by the deal
“Yeah, I definitely was blindsided by it. I didn’t think I would be involved in it, but things happen and here we are.”
On the awkward day of the trade when Rivers canceled practice
“I’ve been a part of a lot of trade deadlines. 11 years straight so any time a coach calls practice off, you know something’s about to happen. I didn’t know it was gonna be me, obviously, but I knew somebody was being moved that day. It happens.”
On being coached by Rivers
“I think, for me, it was a little more personal because I know him and I’ve known him since I was a kid. When he coached me, it felt like a father figure speaking to you and when he spoke, his message always resonated and it was always felt. Whenever he would say something to me, I would always catch myself just being like ‘Alright, I hear you, man.’ Like when your dad says something annoying to you and you’re like ‘I get it, get away from me’. It was always a blast having those conversations and one-on-ones with him.”
On renewing rivalry with Embiid
“I’ve always had fun playing against him. He’s one of those guys that brings the best out of anybody he plays against so you can’t help but prepare to play against him.”
On if he keeps in touch with former Sixers teammates
“I still talk to all the guys all the time. It’s always family here.”
