Andre Drummond warns his bad attitude cost him millions in the NBA originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Andre Drummond knows firsthand how quickly a star can burn out.
During the 2016 offseason, the center signed a five-year, $127 million contract with the Detroit Pistons.
Seven years later, the two-time All-Star has just signed a contract with the Bulls, where he will earn an estimated $3.3 million next season.
Drummond, now 29, didn’t take his descent from franchise cornerstone to exceptional mid-level bench player in stride.
In a recent clip that went viral, Drummond referenced his mistakes to send a powerful message to a group of young basketball players he coached this offseason.
“Pouting on the bench, making faces, not cheering for your fucking teammates when we’re down to eight the whole game, come back and up in threes, and you’re not celebrating,” Drummond said. . ” I am going to tell you something. Guys, I was that guy. I was a 100 million dollar guy. I pouted. I was upset when I wasn’t playing. And I had a bad attitude. I went from $100 million to fucking league minimum…
“…They don’t care how many rebounds you get. How many threes do you make. They care about you as a person. Are you a good teammate? Are you a good locker room guy? Are you someone they can count on every night? You play 100% every time you step on that fucking floor. Consistency, guys. Consistency.”
It’s a lesson Drummond learned the hard way as his value declined sharply. Flaws in his game affected his market appeal, but his effort and attitude certainly did too.
Now entering his 12th NBA season, Drummond has become a prime example of what it’s like to accept your role and give it your all.
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