Bulls center Andre Drummond missed the team’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers after tweeting that he was deleting his social media apps to focus on his mental health.
CHICAGO — Bulls center Andre Drummond missed Chicago’s game Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers after he posted on I tweet that he was deleting his social media apps to focus on his mental health.
Drummond was ruled out for personal reasons, according to the Bulls. Coach Billy Donovan said he is hopeful Drummond will travel with the team before Friday night’s game in Charlotte.
“As we come here and play games, there’s a human side, a personal side to all these guys,” Donovan said, “and you feel bad when somebody’s going through something like that. I think you try to give as much support as you can.”
The 29-year-old Drummond is in his first year with Chicago and his 11th NBA season overall. The two-time All-Star posted Tuesday that he was deleting his apps and changing his number.
“Time to focus on my mental health,” Drummond wrote. “If you too are struggling with your mental health, you’re not alone … it’s okay to ask for help.”
Drummond is averaging 6.1 points and 6.7 rebounds in 62 games for the Bulls in a reserve role. He had 11 points and eight rebounds in Monday night’s 124-112 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Sometimes when people look at these guys and see them play and see these NBA players, the stars, all these other things and all the things that come with it, their lives must be absolutely perfect, Donovan said. “and they are not. We all have flaws. We all have challenges. We all have problems and things we all have to deal with.”
Bulls star DeMar DeRozan, who has been open about his battle with depression and mental health issues, said he plans to give Drummond his space while also letting him know he’s there for him. .
“We love this game. We play this game. “This game has been good for all of us,” DeRozan said. “But in the end you have to worry and take care of yourself first and foremost.”
DeRozan’s honesty about his issues has led to frequent encounters with people who have expressed their gratitude for his openness about his mental health. Donovan said he was approached by a man in Toronto this season who wanted to thank DeRozan, and the player then spent some time with the man.
“Such moments for me are bigger than playing a basketball game, a salary, I mean, you say, man,” DeRozan said. . It’s nothing but appreciation and it just shows a different kind of sensitivity that I wish we all had.”
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