Andre Drummond is quickly making his mark in New York. With Mitchell Robinson gone, Drummond gives the Knicks hope for their future endeavors.
Drummond impressed during the first half against Philadelphia, displaying significant potential. The Knicks’ public relations team acknowledged this achievement mid-game.
According to the NY Knicks PR, “Andre Drummond’s double-double in the first half today was the third fastest (14:18) by any Knicks player since 1996-97 (play-by-play era). He is also the first and only player in Knicks history to record a first half double-double in a Knicks season-opener dating back to 96-97.”
Drummond’s performance comes at a crucial time, filling the void left by Robinson, who joined Boston in free agency. Robinson significantly contributed to the Knicks’ championship pursuit with his rebounding, defense, and physicality. His departure meant the team needed multiple players to match his production. Drummond’s impressive start shows promise as a reliable alternative in the center position.
At 33, Drummond signed a one-year contract worth $3.9 million with the Knicks after playing for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. During his time with Philadelphia, he averaged 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds over 63 games, with 25 starts.
Currently, Drummond has tallied 10 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks in 18 minutes of play. These stats highlight his value as a dependable backup for New York. Although not expected to fully mirror Robinson’s style, his rebounding and offensive capabilities can maintain frontcourt strength.
While it remains early in the season and Drummond’s debut doesn’t answer all concerns about the Knicks’ center rotation, it showcases a strong first impression. As the team aims to defend its title, Drummond’s initial performance indicates that Robinson’s absence may not be as impactful as previously feared.
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