Andre Drummond has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the New York Knicks, joining the team he grew up supporting. Drummond, a native of Mount Vernon, N.Y., stated his intention to help the Knicks repeat as champions, aiming to fill the void left by the departure of center Mitchell Robinson.
"Mitchell Robinson was a huge loss for them," Drummond said in his first public comments since finalizing the contract. "I bring in a similar talent, similar energy, but I'm a veteran, I've been around for a long time. I know what it takes to win. Excited to be in a new role in a new city and going back to a place I'm familiar with."
The 6-foot-11 Drummond spent the previous season with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he averaged 6.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks over 65 games. He also demonstrated an improved 3-point shooting ability, making 35.6 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
The Knicks sought a center after Robinson signed with the Boston Celtics in free agency. Drummond expressed his enthusiasm for joining the team, stating, "I'm definitely excited to be a part of something that's bigger than me."
When asked about his motivation, the 32-year-old Drummond described himself as a highly driven individual. "When I put my mind to something, there's nothing that I can't do. I never quit, never give up. I have it tattooed on my hand for a reason," he said.