In a competition like the NBA, statistics are the main reference point to determine a player’s value. Every single contribution to the game by its stars is quantified, and these stats are used by teams as a key measure when making signings and, of course, when setting player salaries. Some players are capable of doing almost anything to boost their statistics, but until now, none of them have publicly admitted it.
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Andre Drummond, the 6.92 ft tall 31-year-old center who was signed this summer by the Philadelphia 76ers, has just confessed that throughout his 12-year career, he’s been improving his rebounding stats by using the simplest trick in the book: deliberately missing shots near the rim to grab the rebounds himself. This tactic has helped him become one of the best rebounders of his generation and in NBA history.
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (5) is defended by Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Orlando, Fla.
Publicly admitted
The center openly admitted this on the “Run Your Race” podcast. The host, Theo Pinson, asked Drummond the million-dollar question: “Let’s call it what it is. Were there moments when you intentionally missed shots to get the rebound?” And surprisingly, Drummond didn’t hesitate and answered bluntly: “Yes.”
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (5) gains control of a rebound in front of Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Orlando, Fla.
It’s certainly questionable from an ethical standpoint that a professional admits that he did that on purpose. What will the teams he’s played for during his 12-year career think now? He did it with the Pistons (2012-20), Cavaliers (2020-21), Lakers (2021), Sixers (2021-22), Nets (2022), and Bulls (2022-24). And what will the Sixers think, as they signed him this summer to strengthen their interior game?
3,656 Offensive Rebounds in His Career
The fact is, the numbers speak for themselves. Drummond has recorded 3,656 offensive rebounds throughout his career, but it’s hard to know how many of those came from deliberately missing shots. What is undeniable is that this helped him win four NBA rebounding titles. He led the league in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020, averaging more than four offensive rebounds per game in those four seasons.
Best Rebounding Averages in History
- Wilt Chamberlain 22,9
- Bill Russell 22,5
- Bob Pettit 16,2
- Jerry Lucas 15,6
- Nate Thurmond 15
- Wes Unseld 14
- Walt Bellamy 13,7
- Dave Cowens 13,6
- Elgin Baylor 13,5
- Dennis Rodman 13,1
- Willis Reed 12,9
- Gus Johnson 12,7
- Elvin Hayes 12,5
- Andre Drummond 12,4
The revelation of this cheat will lead more than a few people to think about Drummond’s lack of professional ethics, but no one can deny that he is a great rebounder. He has an average of 12.4 rebounds per game in his career,which places him 14th all-time, despite only playing an average of 27.2 minutes per game. If he had played more minutes like other great rebounders of past years, those numbers would have increased exponentially.
