Billy Donovan gives props to Andre Drummond for holding the fort in Nikola Vucevic's absence and restrictions

What a luxury it is for the Bulls to have Andre Drummond as a backup center.

© John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

All-Stars don’t always find transitioning from being a team’s go-to guy to a complementary role player easy, but Andre Drummond has taken on the challenge with outstanding professionalism. In the five-game absence of Nikola Vucevic, sidelined due to an adductor injury, Drummond stepped up big-time to fill the gaping hole left in the middle of the shaded lane.

Even with Vucevic back in the lineup for the last two games, Drummond continued to start and, on Monday, registered 21 points and 15 rebounds in the Bulls’ 119-112 win over the Charlotte Hornets. After the game, Bulls coach Billy Donovan praised the veteran center for holding the fort in Vooch’s absence.

Starter’s skill in a reserve role

Drummond, a two-time All-Star and a one-time member of the All-NBA team has always maintained a starter’s mentality despite being the backup big man to Vucevic. It’s evident that the hefty 6-foot-10 center has plenty of gas left in the tank, as he averaged 17 rebounds in the last seven games, including five double-doubles.

“I think the biggest thing is I really appreciate what Andre has done. I think he has done a really nice job,” Donovan said.

Playing in his 11th season in the NBA, Drummond still remembers what his goal was coming to the pros.

“I set out to be the best (rebounder) there is when I came into the NBA, and I stand on it to this day. I’m going to keep going,” Drummond added.

Adjustment period

Donovan mentioned that it’s likely that Vucevic and Zach LaVine would be returning to the starting five as soon as this Wednesday when the Bulls battle the Houston Rockets. This means Drummond would return to his usual reserve role.

“I think it’s always going to be a little bit funky when you have got guys coming back into rotation. Now Zach is back, Vooch is back; we’ve got all these guys coming back, and we have to find a chemistry and cohesiveness for everybody out there,” Donovan said.

Nikola Vucevic's on Andre Drummond's readiness to play any role that's asked of him