With Joel Embiid missing a majority of the Sixers’ games so far, Andre Drummond has played an unheralded role in Philadelphia, not just on the court but also as a respected locker room voice, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey.
Drummond, who signed a two-year, $10MM with the Sixers during the summer, is averaging 7.1 points and 8.3 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game across 23 outings (14 starts). That’s his highest MPG average and the most starts he has made since the 2021/22 season.
“I’m at a point now where I’ve done everything individually, accolade-wise,” Drummond said. “A lot of things that guys in this league haven’t done, I’ve done it already, individually. My goal now is to win. And whatever capacity that comes in, you know, I’m down to do for the team. Do I want to play more? Of course, who doesn’t want to play more? But that’s not best for the team right now.”
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- Embiid’s latest injury was a right sinus fracture but he was able to rack up 34 points against Charlotte this week. The Sixers star said he’s stopping feeling sorry for himself when he gets injured, Pompey writes. “A lesson that I learned is stop feeling bad about myself, live day by day, enjoy the good people around, the positive and not focus on the negative,” he said.
- Dariq Whitehead has only appeared in three games with the Nets this season but the 2023 first-rounder isn’t upset. He’s actually glad to be spending time with the Long Island Nets, since being in the G League gives the forward an opportunity to play regular minutes. “I was very clear with my agent that I needed to continue to play,” he told Eric Slater of Clutch Points (hat tip to NetsDaily.com). “I knew we had some guys that were injured, some older guys, and I knew they were gonna come back and get back in the rotation. So I was very adamant with my agent that I needed to go back down to the G League and play. That was a big boost for me.”
- Immanuel Quickley is inching closer to a return after missing 17 games due to a left elbow injury. The Raptors guard, who also had an eight-game absence early in the season due to a pelvic injury, went through a light practice Saturday and was a full participant in all non-contact elements, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet. He’ll know he’s ready to suit up again when he can throw all the one-handed passes a point guard needs with his left hand, Grange adds.
Whitehead is going to play a lot in February. The Nets should trade everyone. Cut Ben Simmons to if you can’t trade him.
76ers are only 4 GBs away from 6th seed
Now 9-17
6th seed is possible by January 15
Need confidence
7th seed play Celtics
6th seed play Knicks
Sixers injuries haven’t helped but honestly the Sixers biggest issue is perimeter defense. They can’t stop anybody on the perimeter. It’s hard to watch
Should the Kings target Paul George, Jimmy Butler or LaVine?
Kings have salary match
DeRozan
Huerter
Lyles
DeRozan and Huerter for LaVine
What? Bulls just let DeRozen walk, they didn’t want to pay him.
This is freaking hilarious
Nets are all about next yr. If they were to cut Ben. I’m sure a few teams would ride him out this season.
Like I’ve been saying. Sixers will a chance to make playoffs. But how good will they be..
Nets are running Ben out there precisely because they’re thinking of next year. Tank Commander Simmons reporting for duty (when he feels like it)
Drummond you settled to let other Centers drum on your value