Detroit Pistons fans boo Andre Drummond during return to Little Caesars Arena
Andre Drummond made his first appearance at Little Caesars Arena as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. Unlike his appearance last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the arena was moderately filled with fans.
It wasn't a welcome return for Drummond.
There were audible boos whenever he touched the ball during the first quarter of Friday's preseason game between the 76ers and Detroit Pistons. His matchup, Isaiah Stewart, received more cheers than usual.
MORE FROM SANKOFA: How Jamorko Pickett went from 'caterpillar' to 'butterfly' to Pistons
ANALYSIS: Pistons' Andre Drummond trade cleared path to Troy Weaver, offseason overhaul
It appears fans are still unhappy with how Drummond's tenure with the Pistons ended. The franchise drafted him with the ninth pick in 2012, and he had some individual success by making two All-Star teams and the All-NBA third team in 2016. But the Pistons didn't win many games during his eight-year career in Detroit, qualifying for the playoffs twice and winning zero playoff games.
unfazed. pic.twitter.com/N8knfFRtwU
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 15, 2021
The Pistons traded Drummond to the Cavaliers in February of 2020 for Brandon Knight, John Henson and a 2023 second-round pick. He signed with the Sixers this offseason, and he's made a good impression on Sixers head coach Doc Rivers so far.
[ Here's how you can gain access to our most exclusive Pistons content. Also, sign up for our Pistons newsletter. ]
"He's been great," Rivers said before the game. "He's been one of those guys that guys love. Been a great light. I'm pushing him. When I made the call I told him, 'I'm not gonna just let you be you.' That's part of what I have to do.
"And he's allowed it. He's been great at it. We have a couple things, which I won't share, that I told him he's gotta get away from. And he overall has. It's been good."
Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @omarisankofa. Read more on the Detroit Pistons.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons fans boo Andre Drummond in return with 76ers
