Andre Drummond has been one of the premiere big men during his time in the league. He has led the league in rebounding four times and is averaging 14.5 points and 13.8 rebounds for his career. He was traded from the Pistons to the Cavs at the February deadline. Drummond has done a ton of good on the court but has done just as much good off it.

Drummond, along with other athletes, have joined forces with JBL/Harman to donate headphones to “Little Kids Rock,” a nonprofit dedicated to innovating music education in schools. These donations will go to kids all over the country who are learning from home during this time.

ClutchPoints was able to speak with Drummond regarding his involvement with “Little Kids Rock”. He also opened up about his recent trade to the Cavs, the possibility of playing games without fans, and even a couple personal projects that he is launching during the pause.

Greg Patuto: Can you explain in your own words about “Little Kids Rock” and your involvement along with JBL?

Andre Drummond: “Little Kids Rock” is one of my things because music is such a big thing for me, and it is for JBL as well. Our main focus is to make sure these kids have the right equipment so they can stay successful in the classroom. So myself, Zach LaVine, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is also an ambassador, came together to come up with this plan.

GP: This is a tough time for all of us but especially for children who may not fully understand what is happening around the country. How important is it to try and continue education and make it as normal as possible for these kids?

AD: This is such a crazy time, especially for kids in this generation. It’s just such an odd time with everything being shut down. I’m sure it is hard for them to understand how severe this is. School is such a big part of growing up and parents are finding cool ways to keep their kids engaged and keep them interested. Schools are also doing a good job of getting them lessons and assignments to keep their brains working during this.

GP: You mentioned schools in your previous answer. What do you think are some ways that teachers can keep their students interested while teaching from home?

AD: Anything really that can keep their brains going. The cool thing about kids is that their like a sponge and anything you try and teach them, they’re soaking it in. I think teachers are doing a good job at finding new things, you know, whether you’re in music or English. Music you can find different ways to break down songs. It makes it cool for them to break down their favorite artist’s songs and learn what type of melodies they use. Math, finding different games to keep it competitive within the classroom.

GP: Have the donations began going out and what are players doing to take it to the next level?

AD: Those donations have started going out and I think other players have found ways to help their cities and their teams or where they’re from. Giving back to hometown areas, hospitals, and grocery stores. I think the league has done a good job helping us get in those situations where we can help out our respective areas.

GP: Music has gotten people through some tough times. I know you are doing your part. You have an album coming out and starting Drummond Quarantine Radio. How important is it at a time like this? And can you explain a little about your projects?

AD: Music is at its all-time high right now because everyone is home. They’re looking for new things to listen to and new things to do. All the artists, even myself, are trying to put out as much content as possible to try and draw in a new fan base while everyone is staring at their cell phones.

So, the Drummond Quarantine Radio wasn’t actually a thing until about 28 hours ago. I said it in an interview and I just blurted that out saying I’m going to start a Drummond Quarantine Radio. Then it became a thing where I’m looking forward to it now. I set it up for today so if anybody wants to check it out I’ll be on at 4 PM and it will be pretty cool to touch on all those aspects.

GP: Do you have any special guests lined up that you can share?

AD: I do, actually. One of them is Taurean Prince. I don’t want to give away the rest just yet.

GP: How do you see the NBA playing out if and when it decides to return?

AD: I’m looking forward to see what they’re going to do. You know, the playoffs were supposed to be today so it’s just a waiting game right now and if it does come back, I’m very curious to see how they go about finishing the year up.

GP: What has training been like for you, teammates, and any players you have kept in touch with during this time?

AD: For me, the Cavs have done a great job making sure that I have all the equipment I need to stay in shape. I got an assault bike outside my house and a bunch of different bands that I use to keep my muscles working so it’s been an adjustment.

GP: Playing without fans is something that seems inevitable for all sports. How do you feel about the idea of playing with no one in the crowd?

AD: I think it will be really, really hard to play without them. That’s what really drives us and gives us that energy and that adrenaline rush. Hearing lots of people cheering our names and for their respective teams.

To play without them would be kind of weird but it may have to happen so it is something that we will all have to prepare for but it is definitely something that we don’t want.

GP: Despite not spending much time in Cleveland before the season was put on hold, what was the transition like from Detroit? I know you love the city of Detroit and have a strong connection there.

AD: My time in Cleveland has been a lot of fun. We had a lot going on early on, just a lot of changeups. Finishing up the last couple of games were fun for us. We really started to mesh and get better. They started getting adjusted to me and I was adjusted to them, you know, the city and the team.

They did a great job at helping me get adjusted on the fly. As soon as I came in, I had to play the next day so there was not much time to get used to things.

GP: Did the trade from the Pistons surprise you when it was announced?

AD: Yeah, I was definitely caught off guard with it but at the end of the day it is the way of the business. I can’t really have too many emotions towards it. It is a part of the game.

The only thing I can focus on right now is Cleveland and that’s where my head is right now.