Andre Drummond, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, has made a bold statement about his rebounding abilities ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
During a media interaction, Drummond addressed how he could solve Philadelphia’s rebounding concerns. He confidently asserted, via Sean Barnard, “I think that’s why I’m here. I’m the best rebounder to ever play the game.” He then doubled down, pausing briefly before adding, “You wanna record that? Yeah, I’m the best rebounder ever.”
Drummond, known for his dominance on the glass, is backing up his claim with strong career numbers. In the 2023-24 season with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 8.4 points and 9 rebounds in just 17.1 minutes per game. His career average of 12.4 rebounds per game further supports his confidence.
The Sixers, who struggled with rebounding issues last season, are counting on Drummond to fill a crucial gap. Despite playing limited minutes last season, Drummond’s per-36-minute rebound rate was among the highest in the league. His ability to control the boards, especially on the offensive end, has been a consistent part of his game since entering the NBA in 2012.
Drummond’s tenure with the 76ers marks his latest chapter after stints with several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, he has led the league in rebounds four times, including a personal-best 16.0 rebounds per game during the 2017-18 season. His rebounding prowess has made him one of the most impactful big men in the modern NBA.
Although his scoring numbers have dipped over the years, Drummond’s focus remains on doing what he does best—rebounding. His physicality, positioning, and understanding of how to read the ball off the rim are key factors in his ability to grab boards, particularly in high-pressure situations.
The 76ers are hoping Drummond’s confidence and experience can elevate their rebounding game, especially with Joel Embiid anchoring the team’s defense and offense. Drummond’s complementary skills could relieve some of the burden on Embiid, allowing the Sixers to maintain an advantage in the paint on both ends of the floor.
Drummond’s declaration comes as he enters his 13th season in the NBA. His self-assessment as the best rebounder ever may spark debate among basketball fans, but his statistics place him among the elite in NBA history. Currently, Drummond ranks 33rd on the all-time rebounding list, with over 10,671 total rebounds. His per-game average is the highest among active players and one of the top marks in league history.
For Drummond, this season with Philadelphia represents not only a chance to prove himself again on the court but also to cement his legacy as a rebounding force. Whether or not his claim holds up to historical scrutiny, there’s no doubt that Drummond remains confident in his place in NBA history.
