Andre Drummond is excited to join the team he grew up rooting for and hopefully help it repeat as champions.
The Mount Vernon, N.Y., native agreed to come to the Knicks on Friday, coming aboard on a one-year, $3.9 million deal to serve as Karl-Anthony Towns’ backup.
“[Losing] Mitchell Robinson was a huge loss for them,” Drummond told media personality Mika Ortiz on X in his first public comments since the contract was finalized. “I bring in a similar talent, similar energy, but I’m a veteran, I’ve been around for a long time. I know what it takes to win. Excited to be in a new role in a new city and going back to a place I’m familiar with.”
The 6-foot-11 Drummond spent last season with the 76ers, averaging 6.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 65 games.
He also shot 35.6 percent from 3-point range, a new wrinkle to his game.
The Knicks were in search of a center after losing Robinson in free agency to the Celtics.
“I’m definitely excited to be a part of something that’s bigger than me,” Drummond said.
Asked what pushes him, the 32-year-old Drummond replied: “Everything. I’m just a highly motivated person. When I put my mind to something, there’s nothing that I can’t do. I never quit, never give up. I have it tattooed on my hand for a reason.”
