Andre Drummond grew up supporting the New York Knicks, and now the veteran center has an opportunity to help his childhood team defend its NBA championship.
Drummond joined New York as the most notable newcomer after spending last season with the Philadelphia 76ers. He had already seen the Knicks’ championship potential up close when they swept Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“After our series I was telling one of my friends, ‘I think they might mess around and do it,’” Drummond said Tuesday. “And lo and behold, they pulled it out.”
The 33-year-old arrives following the departure of Mitchell Robinson, who joined Boston. Robinson had been the Knicks’ longest-tenured player and provided valuable rebounding and defense behind Karl-Anthony Towns.
New York, however, does not expect Drummond to simply copy Robinson’s role.
“Obviously Mitch was near and dear to all our hearts, obviously. And I think the best part about this situation Andre’s in, he’s not coming in to be Mitch, he’s coming to be himself,” captain Jalen Brunson said. “So we’ve got to give him the conference to go out there and be himself.”
The Knicks retained key reserves Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson, while their starting five has now been together for two seasons. That continuity leaves Drummond as the major new face in the defending champions’ rotation.
Brunson invited Drummond to his birthday party during the summer, giving the center an early opportunity to become familiar with his new teammates.
For Drummond, joining New York also represents a return close to home. He is from nearby Mount Vernon and later played one season at UConn.
“I think it made the most sense in terms of where I’m at in my career, what this team has just done. They just won the championship,” Drummond said. “Just with the addition of me and my veteran leadership and what I bring to the table, it just made sense to me and my family to come here.”
Drummond has career averages of 12.1 points and 11.9 rebounds and has led the NBA in rebounding four times.
He has also expanded his offensive game, making 32 three-pointers in 2025-26 after hitting only 18 across his first 13 seasons.
Coach Mike Brown believes Drummond’s experience will help him adjust quickly.
“He’s a veteran,” Brown said. “He’s been there, done that, with a few different teams.”
Drummond believes his rebounding, defense, improving outside shot and locker-room presence can help the Knicks remain on top.
“I’m just a great locker room guy, all together, is really what keeps me around,” he said.
