Since as sidelined due to a groin injury, Drummond has been extremely reliable in the starting lineup for the lastNikola Vucevic w seven games. However, with Vooch expected to return to the starting lineup on Wednesday, Drummond will once again start from the bench. It’s a good thing Drummond doesn’t think that.
Since Nikola Vucevic was sidelined due to a groin injury, Drummond has been extremely reliable in the starting lineup for the last seven games. However, with Vooch expected to return to the starting lineup on Wednesday, Drummond will once again start from the bench. It’s a good thing Drummond doesn’t think that.
Charlotte, North Carolina, Andre Drummond approaches his work with a different mindset than most.
Before the 2022 season, he joined the Bulls. Years before that, probably, with the “Big Penguin.”
Nevertheless, the 6-foot-11 center will find it difficult to stop his pattern of making 637 starts in the NBA since joining the league back in 2012.
Drummond has always considered himself a starter because of this. Ten minutes without a bench? Still in the beginning stages. An increased workload of 22 minutes while not playing? Still in the beginning stages. Specifically, beginning like he has for the previous seven games when Nikola Vucevic is sidelined due to a groin injury? To begin with, no big deal, simply go back home.
An immensely useful mentality.
Playing with Drummond, Vucevic remarked, “Him and I have a really good relationship, really support each other.” It speaks a lot about him that he can go from being a starter, an All-Star, and a 20-20 player on some nights to having to play a supporting role.
“He plays well for us whenever he comes in, like when I was hurt. His rebounding rate per minute must be really high. It speaks a lot about him and his attitude that he is always prepared and upbeat.
Drummond leads the league in rebounds per minute (0.63), which is astounding. So were some other stats in the seven games he has started.
The Bulls went 4-3 at that time, and he not only averaged 14 points on 56.8% shooting but also pulled down 17.4 rebounds per game. His rebounding percentages per 36 minutes of play? A league-best 22.7, how about that?
The play has been quite remarkable.
However, there’s a reality check included with the play.
In order for coach Billy Donovan to better oversee the minute restriction his center was on, Vucevic came off the bench in the last two games. Donovan said that Vucevic and Zach LaVine (right foot) each demonstrated enough in the Hornets’ 119-112 overtime victory to return to the starting lineup, so that will come to an end on Wednesday.
When asked why he chose Drummond over Vucevic, Donovan responded in a straightforward manner.
In terms of his offensive capabilities, Vooch “brings a different thing to the table,” according to Donovan.
Translated: Vucevic is a threat from outside, and the objective of the game remains to stretch the floor with outside shooters.
That does not imply that Drummond’s contributions are not valued. Although his skill set is viewed as outdated by several organizations, Donovan welcomes it.
Donovan stated, “I think as the game has changed people have looked at that position as a position that’s maybe not nearly as valuable as shooting or stretch fours, or guys that are two-way guys that can defend and play offense as well. Here’s a guy who was an All-Star, a max player, and an elite offensive and defensive rebounder for his career.” Additionally, I believe that his contributions are valuable to any club. There is a place in the game for him if he can truly rim protect, rebound, and then be a superb roller to the basket. He doesn’t have to be five feet tall.
Donovan now needs to determine not only how to employ Drummond as a substitute player once more, but also how he will rotate. This squad may be as healthy as it has been for the most of the season, and many players were still playing significant minutes even with player absences.
Donovan has to put the puzzle back together.
“It’s a good problem to have, especially after we were short-handed for a while and had a lot of injuries,” Vucevic remarked. Billy is definitely experiencing a good headache. One positive aspect of this team is that they have a “next-man-up” mentality, regardless of the person who falls.
Zach LaVine still in place? Bulls gearing up for that kind of thing
Dalen Terry, the guard for the Bulls, is continuing to play and demonstrating why Butler made the decision. Bulls guard Coby White hopes to stay with the team. With 15 games remaining before the trade deadline, the team must make some decisions.
It’s ideal if Zach LaVine and the Bulls temporarily get back together.
Amid an injury plague, Bulls coach Billy Donovan is attempting to find the ideal rotation.
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