Andre Drummond is keeping a starter's mentality despite embracing a backup role

Dre still has plenty of confidence in his skills.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Despite his lofty resume and relatively young age, two-time All-Star Andre Drummond has accepted being a backup center without a peep. This season, the 30-year-old is coming off the bench for Nikola Vucevic and the Chicago Bulls for the second season in a row—a role he has fully embraced. That’s not to say he doesn’t believe he’s still capable of flourishing as a starter in the NBA.

“My mentality is I am not a backup,” Drummond said after dropping 24 points and 25 rebounds in his first career start for the Bulls on Tuesday night.

Plenty of gas left in the tank

Drummond may be a backup center now, but he’s not just any ordinary reserve big man. The UConn product is actually the league’s all-time career leader in rebounding percentage, besting rebounding monster and all-time great Dennis Rodman. He’s averaged double-doubles in nine different seasons and was named to the All-NBA team in 2016.

However, after leaving the Pistons, he has become a journeyman, now playing for his sixth team in the last four seasons. Despite the circumstances, Drummond believes that he can still be a starter if given the opportunity.

“I still believe I’m a starter in this league,” Drummond emphasized.

But just because he isn’t doesn’t mean he’s going to sulk on the bench. Instead, Drummond has been a positive force, whether on the bench or on the floor.

“The position I am in, take it and play to the best of my ability. It’s not hard at all. Being a good teammate is easy. It’s not hard to support your teammates,” Drummond shared.

With authority! 😤@NBCSChicago | @AndreDrummond pic.twitter.com/G7heojSImJ

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 27, 2023

Mentality on the glass

As someone who has averaged over 12 rebounds per game in over 800 regular season games, Drummond just has a knack for going after the ball. Using his strong base and physicality, he is able to create space and position himself for rebounds. But it’s not just about his physical gifts. Drummond also has a strong mentality when it comes to rebounding.

“I go after each and every one of them. If I can’t get it, I still make the attempt. Sometimes they fall my way, and sometimes they don’t. The more times I go, the more times I’ll get it. It’s a skill. It gets me going in a game when I get offensive rebounds. When I came into the NBA, I wanted to be the best rebounder who ever played, and I set out to do that,” Drummond shared.

Dre making an early impact!@NBCSChicago | @AndreDrummond pic.twitter.com/RR89wmW0Po

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 27, 2023

Andre Drummond delivers a historic performance in his first start of the season