Joel Embiidimproving health was beneficial for Sixers as they prepare for the start of the season, Chris Hine of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes in the article only for subscribers. Embiid has been fully available since the start of training camp, allowing the coach Nick Nurse implement offensive and defensive schemes earlier than in years past. Tyrese Maxey says Embiid “changes everything” every day on the court.
“For him to be healthy throughout (the preseason), you can put more packages,” Maxey said. “There were times when he wasn’t healthy and we went into the game and now we’re trying to learn the flow. I’ve been here, so I know where he wants to touch (the ball) and all that. If you haven’t played with a big like Joel, which there aren’t many, it’s very difficult, it’s difficult to learn some things – when to cut, when to slide.”
LeBron James won a gold medal with Embiid as part of Team USA at the 2024 Olympics, but even that was a limited version of the star big man. Hine claims the two worked out together before practice to help develop chemistry on the court, and James has noticed a difference in Embiid.
“He wanted to be a part of this team. He was a part of this team and he gave us everything he had physically.” James said. “He was one of 12 guys that we all liked each other this whole summer, but sometimes he felt great, sometimes he didn’t feel great. It was just about him being healthy. But this summer he’s been the healthiest he’s been in a long time.”
There are more from Philadelphia:
- Ariel Hookporti‘s a season-ending Achilles tear created the need for another backup center, and Jabari Walker performed this role of the five, notes Adam Aaronson of The Philly Voice. Aaronson argues that Walker improved his rotation chances more than anyone during the preseason by logging minutes at the position while other big men dealt with injuries. “Well, I think he played very well. And again, it was just out of necessity that we had to play him there.” The nurse said. “Maybe that helped him a little bit. I think he’s primarily a set-up player. So when he becomes a five-man, he’ll have more games and more opportunities to show it.”
- Free agent application Anfernie Simons missed the entire preseason with a hamstring problem as a rookie guard Labron Filon the younger looked impressive, Aaronson adds, but the nurse said they weren’t in “direct competition” for spare minutes. Aaronson also states that Kentavius Caldwell-Pope will likely be the last member of the rotation if Simons is available for Tuesday’s season opener.
- Nurse has a chance to become the fourth NBA coach to ever win titles with multiple teams, Brendan Quinn of The Athletic notes in the long profile. Nurse reveals how he plans to manage a star-studded team and deal with heightened expectations. “I’m taking a broad approach – I’m going to work really hard. I’m not afraid of the minutes and hours it will take.” The nurse said. “That’s part of it. I’m going to be ready and prepare and prepare the team. That’s my job. I know I’m going to make mistakes. There’s too many decisions every day and every game and I know I’m going to make mistakes. So I’m going to accept that I’m going to make mistakes and move on to the next decision and make the best decision I can every time. And I’m going to pray a lot.”
