National Basketball Association

Posting Up: Q&A with Andre Drummond

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:44 p.m. ET

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Andre Drummond at the Jordan Pearl Pavilion, making his own "We Are Jordan" image.

A bounce pass away from the Mecca of basketball, Jordan Brand constructed a trademark, forward thinking experience bringing together players and fans alike in a place to experience the embodiment of all things Jumpman.

Stepping in off the New York streets, a setting illuminated by neon and technology, the Jordan Pearl Pavilion hums with energy, artistic vibes...and the spirit of the game. It's a space that transports you through MJ history (in a year that celebrates the 30th anniversary of the first Jordan shoe) as well as the future of the brand. That future being its crop of NBA superstars and up-and-comers.

Among all of the excitement, 6'11 Andre Drummond manuvers his gigantic frame through the halls of iconic MJ images shot by Walt Ioss (also on hand), the bouncing balls and dazzling array of LEDs.

Drummond is rare in a class of rare air athletes. He stands tall as one of the few big man in the Jordan family, now in his third NBA season with the Pistons. Dre, as he's referred to in Pearl Pavilion, is leading a turnaround, they only way it can be done in Detroit, by force.

This being his third season, his game is more Spencer Haywood and Artis Gilmore energy and power, than Olajuwon or David Robinson finesse...yet. Coming off a Team USA gold this summer, Drummond is becoming a standout big man in a league of wing players and stretch fours. He's blue collar all the way and loving it, grabbing boards, finishing lobs and a enforcing his will down low. This is exactly what earned him a place in the Jordan family, the drive, dedication to the game and will to win.

The tagline of the weekend is "I'm not Michael. I am Jordan", which of course is significant to a player establishing themselves among the group elite players. What was it like for you to join the Jordan family?

Being a part of this brand is an honor for me. The way I've been playing and how hard I've been working, for Mike to see that, and to offer me the opportunity to be a part of his family, with a group of high caliber players and to represent the big men as well, it makes you want to work that much harder knowing I'm wearing that Jordan symbol on my shoes. It bigger than me. It's a family.

You mentioned your hard work being recognized by the Jordan family and making you, a hard worker, work harder. What does that mean to you?

It's a crazy feeling you know, being a young kid from New York, seeing everybody talk about Jordan, everybody wearing Jordan. Then to being up close and personal with him, eating dinner with him, and to be a part of his family. It's a crazy feeling knowing from where I started to where I'm at right now. It really shows that hard work pays off.

You're known for your work ethic and your motor. How does being a part of this team of high level athletes fuel that?

You known I'm really known for being an energy guy and working hard on the floor, grabbing a lot of rebounds. It's kind of similar to what Michael did, but he did it on a greater platform. So it makes me continue to bring that effort and energy -- it's a great feeling.

The Hall of Greatness, highlighting the iconic moments of Michael Jordan's career at the Jordan Pearl Pavilion in New York during All-Star Weekend.

As things in Detroit have begun to turn around, you've emerged as a franchise cornerstone and that puts you into a leadership role. How do you take that on, what's your leadership style?

I'm not really into the whole vocal thing, which was an issue for us, so I've done a better job of speaking my mind and telling guys how I feel about certain things. Also, being a coach on the floor too. If I see something, speak my mind and have a constant communication with the coaching staff. That's really key for our team.

As an energy guy, that can be contagious. Do you see your effort pick up your teammates and they step up their effort?

Oh yeah. When I'm out there flying around, blocking shots, dunking the ball, grabbing rebounds it brings everybody's spirits up and gets them going.

Who were some of the guys you watching as you developed your game?

I watched a lot of Shaq. Actually now, I'm studying Al Jefferson hard. I watch everything that he does. I'm watching all of his tapes, trying to take his moves. I told him the other day, 'I'm watching you man. I'm trying to get my game just as good as yours in the post.'

I need that. My athleticism will go away some day. I'm gonna be old one of these days, so I'm going to be able to use those post moves.

You know, at this point in my career, I really don't need ten or twelve moves. I just need three or four moves that I know I can get my shot with and I gotta try to perfect it.

This being your third season, you're continuing to build and you're making a name for yourself in the league. For you, what comes next?

For me now, I really just need to continue to play the way I'm playing. Play hard, but work on my game too. So I'm going to continue to be a better teammate to my guys, be a better leader, take things to that next level to make our team great.