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Andre Drummond stated that he is convinced he should still be an NBA starter. He got his first opportunity to demonstrate that against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday in Chicago.
As a Bull, Drummond had only come off the bench in 113 games since joining the team. This was due to starting center Nikola Vučević playing every game during that span, until Tuesday, when Vučević missed his first game due to a groin injury. Drummond took his place as the starter for the first time as a Bull.
This game was a significant moment for Drummond, who has been vocal about his desire for more playing time.
Drummond expressed his thoughts earlier in the month, saying, “I’m doing what I can with the minutes I get. I’m just making the best of it. For me it’s never easy. But at the end of the day, I’ve got to look at the bigger picture. Coach sees something that he believes will work for the team to help us win. I’m all for it. My job is to be as supportive as possible for those guys who are in the game.”
On Tuesday, Drummond was averaging 13.5 minutes in the game, the third-fewest in the regular rotation ahead of only Julian Phillips and Dalen Terry. Despite limited playing time, Drummond was averaging 6.8 rebounds, 6.2 points, and 0.4 blocks.
However, Drummond took advantage of his starting position and led the team in the game with 24 points and 25 rebounds. It was his 45th career game with 20-plus points and rebounds. Drummond’s standout performance significantly contributed to the Bulls coming back from a 12-point deficit to secure a 118-113 win.
Here are three other takeaways from the game.
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Bulls center Nikola Vučević runs upcourt against the Hornets on Dec. 6, 2023, at the United Center. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)
The Bulls are not accustomed to playing without Vučević. In the nearly three years while on the Bulls, he only missed 13 games, including Tuesday’s. Seven of those games were due to a COVID-19 diagnosis in 2021. The last time he was absent before Tuesday was April 10, 2022.
Prior to his 82nd game last season, Vučević emphasized the pride in being available for every game throughout his career. This availability has been crucial for the Bulls, who have greatly benefited from the consistency of veteran stars like Vučević and DeMar DeRozan.
But Vučević’s absence on Tuesday reflects a broader and more concerning trend for the Bulls.
Coach Billy Donovan revealed that an MRI confirmed a strained left groin for Vučević. The injury happened on Saturday when he contested a dunk by Max Strus, whose knee hit Vučević’s groin.
Donovan said Vučević went to the team facilities on Tuesday for treatment.