Center Andre Drummond missed the Chicago Bulls’ 121-110 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday after opening up about his psychological well being on social media.
Drummond posted on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon outlining a plan to delete all social media apps, change his cellphone quantity and hand over management of his accounts to his administration crew.
“Time to focus on my mental health,” Drummond wrote. “If you too are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. It’s okay to ask for help.”
Drummond shared the identical put up to his Instagram account, including, “It’s never too late to ask for help.” He acquired a direct outpouring of help from present and former NBA gamers, together with Isiah Thomas, Danny Green and Kevin Love.
A venerable rebounder and 11-year veteran, Drummond has been stalwart as a backup heart in his first season with the Bulls, averaging 6.7 rebounds and 6.1 factors in 12.8 minutes off the bench.
Coach Billy Donovan supplied help for Drummond throughout pregame availability Wednesday, including that he texted Drummond to convey that the crew is behind him. With seven video games left within the season coming into Wednesday, the Bulls haven’t shared a timeline on Drummond’s potential return, however Donovan mentioned the middle may journey with the crew to Charlotte, N.C., for Friday’s sport in opposition to the Hornets.
“Your heart goes out for anybody,” Donovan mentioned. “There’s a human side and personal side to all these guys, and you feel bad when anybody is going through something like that. You try to give as much support as you can. We have the resources inside the organization to help.”
Conversations surrounding psychological well being will not be new within the Bulls locker room, which is led by DeMar DeRozan — one of many league leaders on breaking the taboo of discussing the topic. DeRozan talked in-depth with the Toronto Star in 2018 about his historical past with melancholy and anxiousness. Since then, DeRozan has grow to be an emblem for psychological well being advocacy within the NBA, connecting frequently with followers and gamers to share their journeys.
Donovan mentioned DeRozan’s presence has helped the Bulls handle their experiences involving psychological well being points — together with Drummond’s present problem.
“Sometimes when people look at these guys, (they) see these NBA stars, and all this stuff that comes with it and they think, ‘Gosh, their lives must be absolutely perfect,’ ” Donovan mentioned. “And they’re not. We’re all flawed. We all have challenges and issues to deal with. … There’s maybe a level of inspiration or hope that he can give somebody.”
The Bulls, in tenth place within the Eastern Conference, fell two video games video games behind the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors and are two video games forward of the Washington Wizards.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com