PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are currently searching for answers in terms of how to play without Joel Embiid after Thursday’s 117-107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The Sixers are now 11-13 without the big fella and have lost seven of their last eight in such instances.
Andre Drummond was called into action on Thursday as the starting center and he went for 10 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks in 28 minutes. He did his part as he gave coach Nick Nurse and Co. the production they were looking for, but it wasn’t enough as the Sixers are looking to figure it out.
Drummond spoke with Sixers Wire after the loss as he gave his assessment of the team with Embiid off the floor.
“I think when Joel plays, he just demands a lot,” said Drummond. “I think it’s hard to switch that off when he’s not around. So, I think for us, it’s just finding a way to get out of that mindset of having the big dog around and where a lot of other guys have to step up and play different roles when he isn’t around. So, it’s something I think all of us can fix. It’s not something that’s gonna hinder us too much. I think it’s just something we just have to work through.”
To Drummond’s point, the Sixers were 10-6 at one point without the 2023 MVP winner. They were able to find a way to win without Embiid and do it consistently, but then the big fella had a big January playing in 14 games and averaging 29.7 points. Just his mere presence out there makes it easier for everybody. Now, they have to readjust to that previous style of play.
“Readjust again. Yeah. It’s difficult, because like I said, he demands a lot of attention,” Drummond added. “He demands a lot when he does play, so missing him is almost just like we’re losing 30-plus points and another 15 free throws that we normally have, so it’s an adjustment for us, but I think we’ll be fine.”
As far as Drummond’s role is concerned, he’s been in the league now for 14 years. He’s seen his fair share of different roles and his mindset doesn’t change as he looks to make this next adjustment for the Sixers and help them get back on track going forward. Whether Embiid is out there or not, Drummond is going to stay ready.
“For me, it’s just staying professional and staying ready at the end of the day,” he finished. “It’s something we talked about earlier in the year, too. Sometimes he comes in, and he’s banged up, and he doesn’t play. For me, it’s just always being ready despite whatever may happen. Just always being ready for whenever my number’s called.”
The Sixers will begin a 3-game road trip on Saturday when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers’ Andre Drummond talks team’s struggles without Joel Embiid
