The Knicks have their backup center, agreeing to a one-year deal with Mount Vernon native Andre Drummond.
The 32-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Sixers – the team that signed former backup Ariel Hukporti – and averaged 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds (3.2 offensive) in 72 games. He also added a new wrinkle to his game, attempting 90 three-pointers and shooting 35.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Drummond now enters his 15th season replacing Mitchell Robinson, who signed a big deal with the Celtics, looking to replace Robinson’s minutes and offensive rebounding prowess off the bench. In his early year, Drummond led the league in offensive boards per game for seven straight seasons from 2013-14 to 2019-20, and led the NBA in total rebounds per game in four of those campaigns.
That has declined over the years, but the UConn product averaged a double-double in 24 games for Brooklyn in the 2021-22 season, and is glad to be back home in NYC with the defending champs.
“I’m definitely excited to be a part of something that’s bigger than me,” Drummond told content creator Mika Ortiz in an interview posted on X. “Mitchell Robinson was a huge loss for them, but I bring in a similar talent and energy but I’m a veteran. I know what it takes to win, and I’m excited to be in a new role and a new city, a place I’m familiar with.”
Drummond’s deal will pay him the veteran minimum $3.9 million, but will count just $2.45 million under the salary cap per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, leaving the Knicks roughly $6.5 million for a couple more minimum deals under the second luxury tax apron, which James Dolan has said he wants to avoid.
Per The Athletic, the Knicks are also potentially interested in another veteran center, Jonas Valanciunis, and are also looking at bringing back Jordan Clarkson.
