Philadelphia 76ers News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Fans React to Andre Drummonds Claim of Having Dec 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (5) dunks the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

'I Never Felt so Helpless as a Basketball Player' – Andre Drummond Shares His Experience Going Up Against Former Slam Dunk Champion

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jan 21, 2025 3:20 AM ET

At one point, Andre Drummond, a center with the Philadelphia 76ers, was among the NBA’s top centers. He was hailed as a top-tier defender and rebounder in his early league career. However, he encountered former Slam Dunk contest champion Dwight Howard, who was still at the top of his game.

When Drummond first entered the league, he played for the Detroit Pistons. At that time, Howard was in his first stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. The big man was still in his prime and considered the best center.

According to the former Pistons big man, who spoke on Monday’s episode of “Podcast P with Paul George,” the three-time Defensive Player of the Year was the one who welcomed him to the NBA.

“We played Dwight [Howard] and I remember guarding him in the post, it almost felt like I wasn’t there,” Drummond said. “He was backing me down… [there’s] no resistance… I’m wiping my shoes off like, ‘D**n, man. It’s slippery out here today’.

“I never felt so helpless as a basketball player. It made me feel like a little boy. He does this quick baseline spin. But he did that s**t and threw his elbow. The way that s**t cracked my ribcage, bro.

https://twitter.com/PodcastPShow/status/1881401741218111929

According to the two-time All-Star, his opinion about lifting weights after playing against Howard.

“I’ve always been against lifting, ’cause I’m like, ‘Yo, I’m already naturally big, I’m physically gifted.’ So, what am I tryng to be a muscle head for? I remember after that, I told my trainer, ‘Whatever strength stuff you got for me, I will do them. I’m not gon’ fight you no more.’

“Ever since that day, I told myself every time I see Dwight, I’m gonna try to violate him.”

By the time Drummond reached his peak, Howard was already marred with injuries, causing his production to decline.

Andre Drummond tried to recruit Paul George to Detroit

Philadelphia 76ers: Why Paul George Apologized To Myles Turner During Time Together With Indiana Pacers 2 Oct 11, 2024; Des Moines, Iowa, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (5) screens Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0), as Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives to the basket at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

During his appearance at George’s podcast, Andre Drummond revealed that he tried to recruit the forward to play with him in Detroit. The All-Star forward confirmed that both Drummond and Reggie Jackson, who played for the Pistons for six years, reached out to him to form a Big 3.

George said in the episode that he considered forming a trio with Drummond and Jackson. However, he said that the cold didn’t help his decision to join them.

“The only thing, I lived in Indiana. I’m tryna get out of this cold. I’m not tryna leave cold to go cold again.”

https://twitter.com/PodcastPShow/status/1881437794721038347

Drummond’s wish to play with George came to fruition when George joined the Sixers over the summer. However, he isn’t the same player as before anymore.

Philadelphia 76ers: Andre Drummond Reveals 1 Startling Confession on Why He Has High Rebounding Numbers 5 Apr 9, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond (3) warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: