Andre Drummond Joins the New York Knicks on One-Yr Deal After Mitchell Robinson Exit

The New York Knicks have discovered a brand new backup heart after agreeing to a one-year, $3.9 million take care of veteran massive man Andre Drummond.

The transfer comes shortly after Mitchell Robinson left New York in free company to signal a three-year, $47.4 million contract with the Boston Celtics.

Andre Drummond Joins Knicks

Robinson’s departure was broadly anticipated after Knicks chairman James Dolan made it clear the staff needed to keep away from crossing the NBA’s expensive second luxurious tax apron.

Drummond now steps into a well-known position behind Karl-Anthony Towns, bringing expertise, rebounding, and dimension to a Knicks staff trying to defend its NBA championship, ESPN reported.

The 32-year-old heart is a well-known identify to basketball followers in New York. A local of Mount Vernon, Drummond had been linked to the Knicks in previous seasons earlier than lastly touchdown with the staff this summer season.

While he’s not in his All-Star prime, Drummond nonetheless stays one of many league’s strongest rebounders. During his time with the Detroit Pistons, he led the NBA in offensive rebounds per sport for seven straight seasons and topped the league in complete rebounding 4 instances between 2015 and 2020.

Andre Drummond Brings Durability and Experience

According to the NYPost, final season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Drummond averaged 6.3 factors and eight.4 rebounds in slightly below 20 minutes per sport whereas backing up Joel Embiid.

Over the previous a number of years, he has additionally frolicked with the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Chicago Bulls.

The Knicks are hoping Drummond can substitute among the rebounding and defensive vitality Robinson offered throughout their championship run. Robinson’s work on the glass was a significant a part of the staff’s success final season.

One encouraging signal for New York is Drummond’s sturdiness. Injuries typically restricted Robinson, whereas Drummond has remained extra out there in recent times.

He additionally improved one of many weakest areas of his sport — free-throw taking pictures — hitting a career-best 63% from the road final season.

Earlier in free company, Drummond admitted he felt underrated after years of signing smaller contracts. “I still have a lot left in the tank,” he stated in a latest interview.