MILWAUKEE — Philadelphia 76ers big man Andre Drummond has revitalized his career a bit with the addition of the 3-point shot. He’s shooting 39.3% from deep on the season as he has been able to find a groove from the corners and he has gotten back to being a dominant rebounder as he’s averaging 9.2 rebounds per game in his 14th season.
There were many who doubted whether Drummond could put up this type of production after a tough 2024-25 season in which he was limited to just 40 games because of a bothersome toe injury, but the big man has been terrific in a number of ways for the Sixers in this current season.
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Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers, who has been close with Drummond for quite some time, coached him for a bit while with the Sixers and he gave him a lot of love and respect on Friday.
“He’s a butterfly now,” Rivers laughed. “We used to always laugh at the bigs when they shoot jumpers. We used to call them, ‘We’ll now, you’re a butterfly.’ Dre, I’ve known him. He roomed with my son that I adopted years ago at a military school. I got to know his family. I’ve known him for a long time and he’s just a great spirit.”
Rivers is right about that. Drummond is always a guy one can talk to and give advice and he’s also great for a laugh. He has a great sense of humor and is always willing to do whatever is asked of him whether that’s be a starter, come off the bench, be a mentor, or whatever. Drummond is n important piece of the locker room.
“The fact that he’s playing well is great, obviously,” Rivers finished. “He’s back to being the dominant rebounder, great hands, now he’s added the 3. I won’t talk to him about that, but more importantly, he’s also one of those guys you just want in your locker room. You really do and you can see that with them now. He’s doing all that stuff as well.”
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Bucks coach gives love, respect to Sixers big man Andre Drummond