PHILADELPHIA — The 2024-25 season was just about miserable for everybody associated with the Philadelphia 76ers. Expected to contend for a title led by their star trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, injuries ravaged the roster and the Sixers went 24-58.

While the focus was on the Big 3, and all of the scrutiny they took with their injuries, the rest of the roster was dealing with a ton of injuries as well. Therefore, the Sixers weren’t just missing their top three guys, but on most nights, they were missing their top five or six or seven players. It was just a nightmarish season all around.

Andre Drummond, specifically, was expected to come in and solidify the backup center spot. Instead, he was limited to only 40 games and averaging 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds as a left toe injury hampered him. It was hard mentally. He felt like he let the city down. He felt like he let his teammates down. That’s a lonely and unhappy feeling. There is no joy in that.

“I think for me, I allowed myself to overthink too much,” Drummond explained. “I didn’t allow the game to come to me. I was so worried about manipulating the game in a way that I wanted to work for me, instead of it working for what’s best for the team. I took the summer to really just process how I can give back to my old self and the joy and have the fun of doing what this job really is. It’s a kid’s game, and that’s having fun and not overthinking it.”

Basketball can be a simple game. Especially, for somebody as skilled as an NBA player. Drummond has been named an All-Star twice in his career. He has been happy in his career playing the kid’s game. He didn’t have that happiness in 2024-25 with the injuries and the losing. It’s mentally draining. Now, he’s got it back, and one can see a difference, too.

“So, I think I’m in a place now where I’m just happier,” he added. “I’m excited to be here. I told my team, I told the coaching staff, too, whatever it is they need for me to help this team win. I’m more than willing to do it, and I think they’re seeing that. So continue to put my best foot forward.”

Once the final buzzer sounded and the Sixers wrapped up their 58th and final loss, that is when Drummond was able to let go. There was nothing he could do about that tough season. What happened next was him having to move on and prepare for what’s next.

“I think once that last buzzer went off,” Drummond reflected. “I took the time to really just process the year I just went through and once you chalk that up, I can’t do (expletive) about that, man. It’s over with. I mean, I can’t do anything besides look back on it and say, Let’s not let that happen again and move forward from that day.”