Andre Drummond is set to join the New York Knicks on a one-year contract worth $3.9 million, filling the backup center role vacated by Mitchell Robinson. The move marks a homecoming for Drummond, a Mount Vernon, New York native, who expressed significant excitement about the opportunity to play for the defending champions.
Jere Quinn, head coach at St. Thomas More School and a former coach of Drummond, observed the center's enthusiasm firsthand during a recent basketball camp. "He seemed totally excited" about the upcoming season, Quinn stated. Drummond's family members shared this sentiment, according to Quinn.
Drummond, a 14-year NBA veteran, will play close to his childhood home, a short distance from where he spent his formative years and his lone collegiate season at UConn under coach Jim Calhoun. Calhoun described Drummond, whom he called "possibly the best rebounder in the world," as a player who "never spoiled him" and will provide a positive, non-disruptive presence to the Knicks' established roster.
"He’s a nice piece basketball-wise. He’s also a really nice piece teammate-wise, which doesn’t disrupt your team," Calhoun commented. The Knicks are looking to leverage Drummond's renowned rebounding ability as they pursue another championship.