The New York Knicks found their Mitchell Robinson replacement on Friday after agreeing to a one-year deal with former Philadelphia 76ers big man Andre Drummond.
Team governor James Dolan’s decision not to enter the second apron prevented the Knicks from retaining Robinson, who played a major role in their 2026 NBA championship run.
After Robinson took his talents to the Boston Celtics, Drummond is assuring the Knicks’ fan base that he is exactly what they need.
Andre Drummond Makes Confident Knicks Claim After Mitchell Robinson Comparison
This past season, Robinson averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. The 7-footer’s 2025-26 campaign didn’t go unnoticed, as he finished eighth in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year race.
Robinson left a gaping hole in the Knicks’ lineup that Drummond is excited to fill. When asked on Saturday by reporter Mika Ortiz why he agreed to play for the Knicks, Drummond responded:
“I think this what they need right now. Getting rid of Mitchell Robinson was a huge loss for them. I bring in a similar talent, similar energy, but I’m a veteran. I’ve been around a long time, and I know what it takes to win.”
@AndreDrummond is heading to the Knicks #knicks pic.twitter.com/nbq3IQApmp
— Mika Ortiz (@IamMikaOrtiz) July 4, 2026
Drummond, a two-time All-Star, posted 6.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, and 1.3 apg this past season. He is arguably not as athletic as Robinson, but he has a more polished offensive game. Drummond is a more willing shooter from the perimeter than Robinson ever was.
During Drummond’s two-year stay with the 76ers, the 6-foot-11 big man was sometimes inserted into the starting lineup almost every time former MVP Joel Embiid was out. According to StatMuse, he averaged 8.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg, and 1.4 apg as part of the starting unit.
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Drummond isn’t as explosive as he used to be, but he remains a force to be reckoned with under the boards. The four-time rebounding champ ranked No. 11 in total offensive rebounding this past season, racking up 200, while Robinson finished No. 5 with 252.
The 2026 NBA playoffs also showed Drummond’s value on the defensive end, per NBA Stats. With him on the floor, the 76ers had a 114.7 defensive rating, a figure that went up to 126.3 without him. The 11.6 difference was the best among Philly’s big men.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes on Thursday, the Knicks “tried feverishly to trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi after losing Mitchell Robinson but offers have been rejected multiple times.”
With Missi out of the Knicks’ reach, they eventually settled for Drummond, who will pocket $3.9 million for a one-year deal.
The Knicks are hoping they can defend their title with their new signing backing up All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns.
