The official injury report lists Andre Drummond as questionable for tonight’s meeting with the Charlotte Hornets.
The Chicago Bulls big man missed his first game since late January on Wednesday due to personal reasons. Drummond announced earlier this week that he would change his cell phone number and delete social media from his phone to focus on his mental health. After sharing those words – and also encouraging others to always do the same – Drummond went on to sit out the Bulls’ loss versus the Lakers.
Head coach Billy Donovan told reporters the team was hopeful Drummond would travel to Charlotte, and this current “questionable” designation suggests that he did just that. Whether he’ll play, however, seemingly remains 50/50.
While it’s undoubtedly most important for Drummond to get his mind right, there is little question the team missed his skills on Wednesday. Drummond scored 12 points with 8 rebounds and 2 steals in the Bulls’ Sunday victory over the Lakers. Without his physical presence down low, the Bulls struggled to find the same success in their rematch and were outrebounded a staggering 45-32.
The last time the Bulls played the Hornets in February, Drummond also happened to have a strong performance off the bench. His experience came in handy against seven-foot rookie Mark Williams, as he scored 15 points with 11 rebounds (5 of which were on the offensive glass).
Again, Drummond’s well-being stands above all else. Period. If he isn’t able to go tonight, nobody should give him a hard time. But there is also no doubt the Bulls would be very happy to welcome back his talents for this late-season push whenever he’s ready.
In other injury news, Alex Caruso and Javonte Green also remain questionable. Caruso and Green did see the floor in the Bulls’ loss to the Lakers, but both are still trying to work through their respective injuries.