Free agent center Andre Drummond signed a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the New York Knicks this offseason to fill the void the Knicks had in the frontcourt after losing Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics. 

Drummond, 39, has played the last three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and is coming off a season in which he contributed to the 76ers making the second round of the playoffs. In 2025-2026, he averaged 6.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

Drummond started 25 games in Philadelphia, but was a player who primarily came off the bench once Joel Embiid was healthy and back in the starting lineup. Mitchell Robinson also played the role of the primary big man off the bench once the Knicks traded for Karl-Anthony Towns. 

Andre Drummond recently came out and spoke on what Knicks fans should expect from him during his time with New York. "I think this is what they need right now," Drummond said. 

"Getting rid of Mitchell Robinson huge loss…I bring in a similar talent & energy…but I'm a vet, been around long time, know what it takes to win. Excited to be in a new role…going back to a place I'm familiar with."

He was also asked what motivates him, to which he responded with 'Don't Quit,' a phrase that's also tattooed on his hand. That seemed to be a theme for the Knicks during their championship playoff run. New York came from behind in every game of the 2026 Finals as well as in various games in the first three rounds. 

Drummond also took time to mention the Knicks in a farewell post to the Philadelphia 76ers. "To the Knicks fans, I know what this city expects, and I'm ready to embrace it. I'm coming in with gratitude, hunger, and a mindset to work. Let's make this chapter special," Drummond said. 

Mitchell Robinson and Andre Drummond both provide similar play styles. Both players add a physical presence in the paint that contending NBA teams look for. They also don't space the floor much, but their rebounding skills are what make them stand out. 

Robinson's level of play inside was a big reason why the Knicks were able to fend off the San Antonio Spurs in this year's finals. Robinson was able to contribute with his rebounding and defense inside, including a big stop against Victor Wembanyama at the end of Game 2 to seal a victory. 

New York may have gotten away with the best-case scenario after losing Robinson as well. Both players bring similar production, and Drummond's contract is much cheaper since he is 32 and Robinson is 28. 

The Knicks will play next season with essentially the same team, and they were able to find a suitable replacement for Mitchell Robinson.