/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.basketusa.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F10%2Fandre-drummond-knicks.jpg)
New York Knicks center Andre Drummond was benched by head coach Mike Brown during the second quarter of a loss against the Orlando Magic after a defensive lapse in transition, Basket USA reported. The decision marked a turbulent start to the season for the defending champions, who dropped their third game.
Transition Defense Triggers Second-Quarter Benchment
The sequence occurred midway through the second quarter. Drummond drifted back on defense in a slow trot, allowing the Magic to score a basket in transition. Brown immediately pulled the double All-Star from the floor and kept him on the bench for the remainder of the game. Following the contest, Drummond addressed his limited playing time with reporters. “All I can do is encourage my teammates and hope things turn out for the best.” Drummond did not receive an explanation from the coaching staff regarding the benching.
Mike Brown on benchingAndre Drummond in 2nd half:"There were a couple plays…But I didn't necessarily bench himBecause of thatHe played well for us Game 1And I kept him out thereIt was the wrong thing to doSo I'm gonna play him in bursts.I felt transition D wasn't… pic.twitter.com/7V0eJn2AOe
Mike Brown Explains the Rotation Choice
Brown defended the substitution as a situational adjustment rather than a permanent demotion for Drummond. The coach turned to James Wiseman off the bench in place of Drummond, though Wiseman struggled offensively by missing all five of his field-goal attempts. “I thought our defense on transition situations wasn’t good at that time, and it wasn’t solely because of [Drummond],” Brown explained. “But I wanted to try something different. Wiseman performs well in practice. I wanted to give him his chance and I thought he was pretty good during his first stint on the floor, in the first half.” Brown confirmed that Drummond would resume his backup role in the upcoming fixture while emphasizing internal competition among reserves. “The first thing I want to clarify is that we have our starting five,” Brown said. “When you’re a substitute in this league, it doesn’t mean you’ll systematically be the seventh or eighth player to enter the game.”
Knicks Face Roster Pressure Amid Three-Game Skid
The defeat against Orlando extended New York’s losing streak to three games as the team attempts to defend its recent championship title. With rotations under scrutiny and Brown signaling that reserve minutes depend strictly on effort during game action, the team’s depth faces renewed evaluation ahead of the next scheduled matchup.
It appears Mike Brown has benched Andre Drummond in favor of James Wiseman (who is struggling, 0-for-5). Here is what Brown said pregame about playing Wiseman:“First thing I wanna make clear is we have our starting five. Other than that, anybody can play. When you’re a backup…”
Keep reading
