Former Pistons star is falling apart with no sign of recovery

Andre Drummond, once the franchise player for the Detroit Pistons, was traded to Cleveland in 2020 after spending eight-and-a-half seasons in Detroit. Now 32, he has played for several teams and is currently with the Philadelphia 76ers, where his future remains uncertain.

As a backup center for the Sixers, Drummond's role is atypical due to Joel Embiid's presence. He started 23 of the 40 games he played in the 2024-25 season because of Embiid's injuries, though Drummond also missed time himself. With Embiid expected to be ready for the next season, the Sixers have other options, including second-round draft pick Johni Broome, making Drummond more expendable.

Drummond could be traded before the season starts to free up space for re-signing restricted free agent Quentin Grimes. Even if he begins the season in Philadelphia, a mid-season trade remains possible, as the team does not view him as essential for winning.

His two-year deal with the Sixers in 2024 initially seemed promising but has not aged well due to a toe injury that limited his playing time, along with concerns about his slow movement and lack of engagement on defense. These issues make him an unsuitable primary backup for a contender.

Given Embiid's likely limited playing time, including avoiding back-to-back games, the backup center role is crucial. The Sixers, aware of the risks of relying on Drummond, are considering trading him. Despite past success in Detroit, Drummond has not won a championship with any team since leaving the Pistons, and his days as a regular rotation player appear to be over.