Having a long career in the NBA is perhaps one of the toughest things any professional athlete can do.
Moreover, not many guys are able to make the transition and embrace a lesser role as they get older, or their game becomes less up-to-date, forcing them out of the league sooner than one would expect.
That was almost the case with Andre Drummond, who went from signing big contracts and being a borderline All-Star and one of the best rebounders in the league to being a backup big guy playing for the veteran’s minimum in almost no time.
That’s why he addressed several young players at a camp and called them out for pouting on the bench or having an attitude when they’re not on the court, trying to motivate them and let them know that they can’t take the game for granted and they should always be there to root for their teammates.
Andre Drummond kept it real with young hoopers 💯
(via @AndreDrummond) pic.twitter.com/jZ4IW4or6O
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 10, 2023
Drummond has openly admitted that he’s struggled with mental health issues in the past.
And being able to understand that your role has changed is tough, especially considering he’s still somewhat young and was used to being a big star.
That’s where so many players fail as soon as they enter the league.
They were used to being alpha dogs in high school and sometimes even in college, and they can’t fathom the fact that they’re supposed to be role players in the NBA, which is why they’re out of the league in no time despite their talents and skills.
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