The Philadelphia 76ers have a bunch of needs they need to address this offseason, and topping that list, just like clockwork, is their big man situation off the bench. With Joel Embiid expected to remain in his stern preservation program next season, the front office no longer has a choice but to truly augment their depth at the center position.
Andre Drummond, who helped man the role this season, will be hitting the open market. Given his age, many are knocking on the front office to look for a younger option. However, people tend to overthink this front when the veteran big man remains a serviceable depth piece. As such, the 76ers should not simply let him walk away in free agency so easily.
After a down year during the 2024-25 campaign, the veteran big man bounced back in a major way this season. The injury bug fortunately evaded him, which led to a solid campaign to the tune of 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds a night in just under 20 minutes per outing. He even ended up starting 25 games for the 76ers.
The 76ers should strongly consider keeping Andre Drummond in free agency
The argument for keeping Drummond in the fold is simply stronger than the other way around. First of all, he will not command a hefty price tag. Given where he is in his career, he will probably be content with the veteran's minimum. Second, as a projected third-string backup, there is a lot to like about having him as some sort of security behind Embiid.
Drummond's decline as a paint finisher and rim protector continued, but he made up for it with his stellar rebounding and surprising transformation as a floor-spacer. He shot 35.6 percent from three-point range this season, draining more threes in this campaign than all of his prior ones combined.
Of course, Drummond will not be a priority for the front office. However, there is little danger in sticking with him. The 76ers already know what they are getting from the former All-Star, and there is likewise a sense of familiarity that will surely appeal to Drummond despite a menial deal on the horizon.
The Joel Embiid situation ended on a good note for the 76ers this season, but you got to always expect the worst with the superstar. That means it is imperative to load up in his position, and re-signing Andre Drummond would be a good play to bolster the bench, even if only at the end of the roster.
