Drummond's Corner 3s: Nick Nurse on NBA's Gasping Audience

When the Big Man Shoots: Nurse's Drummond Revelation

In a league where the three-point shot has revolutionized the game, even the most unlikely attempts can cause a stir. That's exactly what Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse highlighted during his recent comments about star center Andre Drummond's expanding offensive repertoire.

Drummond launching a three-pointer during a 76ers game, showcasing his expanding offensive range - Image from https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/sixers-show-support-for-andre-drummonds-3-point-shooting/ar-AA1QaTNQ

Addressing Drummond's growing comfort with corner three-pointers, Nurse quipped about the crowd's visceral reaction: "Hopefully we'll get over this huge gasp in the crowd every time he steps to like one up... Even on the road, for whatever reason, they were gasping that he was going to take a three."

The Evolution of the Modern Center

Nurse's remarks perfectly encapsulate the NBA's ongoing position revolution. Once confined to the paint, centers like Drummond are now expected to stretch defenses beyond the arc. The 6'10" former All-Star has significantly increased his three-point attempts this season, signaling a dramatic shift from his traditional rim-running role.

Fans reacting with surprise during a game, illustrating the audience's visceral response to unconventional shot attempts - Image from https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.iOVpJiLbTbfn2zc4xFbcdAHaEK?pid=Api

This transformation reflects the league's strategic evolution, where space creation and perimeter shooting have become prerequisites for dominant big men.

"We'll get over this huge gasp in the crowd every time he steps to like one up... Even on the road, for whatever reason, they were gasping that he was going to take a three."
Nick Nurse, Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach

Why the Gasps? Drummond's Shooting Journey

The audience's palpable surprise stems from Drummond's history. Throughout his career, he's shot just 5.3% from three-point range on minimal attempts. Yet under Nurse's system, he's attempting more long balls than ever before. The corner three represents the most efficient shot in basketball, and its strategic value for Drummond is undeniable. By forcing defenders to respect his range, he creates driving lanes for teammates like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

Coach's Philosophy: Normalizing the Unexpected

Nurse's lighthearted tone reveals a deeper coaching strategy. His comments suggest a calculated effort to normalize unconventional shot selection. When even road crowds react with audible surprise, it signals how deeply traditional role expectations persist. Nurse's humor masks his serious objective: desensitizing defenses to the idea that Drummond can consistently punish opponents from beyond the arc.

The Bigger Picture: NBA's Space-and-Ball Revolution

Drummond's development mirrors the league's tactical DNA shift. Centers like Nikola Jokic and Bam Adebayo have demonstrated how three-point proficiency transforms defensive schemes. For Philadelphia, Drummond's potential as a floor-spacing threat could unlock new dimensions to their offense, particularly in playoff matchups against smaller, switch-heavy defenses.

What's Next for Drummond?

While Nurse's comments focus on crowd reaction, the real story is Drummond's progression. Early season data shows improved mechanics and increased confidence on his release. Should his three-point percentage reach league-average levels (35%+), he could become one of the NBA's most unique offensive weapons. The gasps may eventually transform into groans from opposing coaches as Drummond's shooting becomes another arrow in his quiver.

As the NBA continues its relentless march toward positionless basketball, moments like these highlight the beautiful chaos of modern hoops. Whether the crowd gasps or not, one thing is clear: the corner three has officially become part of Andre Drummond's game, and the league will need to adjust.