Philadelphia 76ers middle Andre Drummond just lately discovered himself on the middle of a social media storm after ESPN’s SportsCenter account on X missed his vital rebounding achievement in a submit celebrating WNBA star Angel Reese. The incident underscores the significance of accuracy in sports activities reporting, particularly with regards to honoring athletes’ historic accomplishments.
The controversy started when SportsCenter posted a graphic applauding Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s rookie standout, for her spectacular rebounding streak. The graphic incorrectly said that Reese and Ben Wallace, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Famer, have been the one two gamers within the final 50 years to report three consecutive video games with 20 or extra rebounds.
Nevertheless, this declare omitted Andre Drummond, who achieved an analogous feat through the 2019-20 NBA season. Drummond, a four-time NBA rebounding champion, pulled down 20 or extra rebounds in 4 consecutive video games, making his mark as some of the dominant rebounders in current NBA historical past. The omission didn’t go unnoticed, significantly by Drummond himself.
IM NOT GONNA SIT HERE AND LET ANDRE DRUMMOND GET ERASED FROM THE HISTORY BOOKS. @AndreDrummond https://t.co/h1dCkDNr17 pic.twitter.com/ur6nTLcgUW
— Mitch (@mitchAliberti) August 27, 2024
Recognized for his highly effective presence on the courtroom, Drummond wasn’t about to let the oversight slide. He shortly took to X to name out SportsCenter for his or her error. In a submit that garnered vital consideration, Drummond shared his disbelief with a easy however pointed message: “👀👀you forgetting somebody *cough.”
Drummond’s submit highlighted not solely his frustration but additionally the significance of precisely representing historic data in sports activities. For an athlete like Drummond, who has constructed his profession on dominating the boards, being acknowledged for such achievements is an important a part of his legacy.
Drummond’s submit shortly gained traction, with followers rallying behind him. Many shared their very own frustrations, posting screenshots and statistics to again up Drummond’s declare. One fan passionately wrote, “IM NOT GONNA SIT HERE AND LET ANDRE DRUMMOND GET ERASED FROM THE HISTORY BOOKS. @AndreDrummond.” One other fan identified the error extra straight, saying, “Actually did it in 4 video games in a row idk why they mendacity in your title.”
The outpouring of assist from followers underscores the respect Drummond has earned for his rebounding prowess. His potential to persistently dominate the boards is a uncommon expertise, and followers have been fast to remind ESPN and the broader sports activities neighborhood of his contributions.
Angel Reese’s Achievements Marked The First Time In WNBA Historical past That A Participant Has Recorded This Rebounding Streak
Whereas the error was a degree of competition for Drummond, it’s essential to acknowledge Angel Reese’s accomplishment. As a 22 yr previous rookie within the WNBA, Reese’s potential to report three consecutive video games with 20 or extra rebounds is extraordinary. She has already positioned herself as some of the formidable rebounders within the WNBA, and her future within the league seems to be extremely vibrant.
Reese’s achievement is especially vital because it marks the primary time in WNBA historical past {that a} participant has recorded such a streak. Nevertheless, the misstep by SportsCenter serves as a reminder of the necessity to steadiness celebrating new achievements with acknowledging previous ones.
Andre Drummond’s resolution to name out ESPN serves as a strong reminder of the significance of recognizing and honoring all athletes’ achievements, previous and current. Whereas Angel Reese’s accomplishments are undeniably spectacular, it’s equally essential to recollect the historic context and provides credit score the place it’s due. Because the sports activities neighborhood continues to have a good time the subsequent era of stars, they need to additionally keep in mind the giants who paved the best way.
To completely recognize Drummond’s frustration, it’s essential to revisit his 2019-20 season. Beginning on October 30, 2019, Drummond launched into a outstanding streak, flattening 20 or extra rebounds in 4 consecutive video games. His performances throughout this stretch have been a key think about his workforce’s early-season success, additional solidifying his repute as one of many NBA’s elite rebounders.
Later that season, Clint Capela of the Houston Rockets recorded 5 straight video games with 20 or extra rebounds. Collectively, Drummond and Capela grew to become the primary gamers since Ben Wallace in 2003 to perform such a feat, demonstrating the elite degree at which they have been taking part in.