NBA News: Andre Drummond Ramps Up Conditioning, Aware Of Bigger Role With Nets

Andre Drummond moved to another team again, hoping to finally find a home where he can be of use.

The two-time All-Star was part of the blockbuster trade involving Ben Simmons and James Harden.

Most of the attention has been on Simmons and how he would fit into the system of head coach Steve Nash.

But Drummond, as well as Seth Curry, were overlooked assets that the Nets acquired.

Curry brings in more firepower on the floor to the Nets, while Drummond addresses a gaping hole in the middle.

Hence, there is reason to expect that the 6-foot-10 center will be getting heavier minutes from Nash.

This early, the Nets coach is aware that Drummond brings an entirely new dimension that he will try to exploit.

“We’ll see how it all pans out. We’ve had that center by committee for a little while now,” Nash stated in a report from the Post. “Andre brings a totally different look for us at center with his physicality, natural rebounding.”

Beyond that, Nash knows that Drummond could be a player that the Nets have been long looking for.

Drummond will be getting more minutes, but integrating the No. 9 overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft will still depend on how fast he can adjust to his new environment.

“He’s going to play more minutes for us as far as the way we project things to go, so he’s used to [backing up Embiid], but we’re asking him to play more,” Nash said.

Aware that his role will change in Brooklyn, Drummond is making the necessary adjustments on his end.

Conditioning will be a factor on his part, something he is admittedly working on since arriving from Philly.

“So from the moment I’ve got here, I condition in the morning and I condition after the game. So by the time the [All-Star] break is over, I should be back to normal again, just getting myself back in that speed and that mode again,” Drummond shared.

So far, Drummond has played in three games for the Nets. So far, the numbers have been impressive compared to the ones he produced earlier this season with the Sixers.

From just 6.1 points and 8.8 rebounds in 18.4 minutes of action, the UConn standout has jacked up his numbers to 9.3 minutes and 12.3 boards per game in 21.7 minutes of action.

If he stays the course, those numbers are bound to improve.

Drummond is a known double-double machine, someone who could provide the Nets with a much-need push heading into the postseason.