Now that training camp has started, it's time to prepare for the preseason. There are some very important things that the 76ers need to address, and we'll see them in preseason.
Now that the Philadelphia 76ers have a few days of training camp under their belt, Nick Nurse has given us some insight on what fans will see when they tune in for a preseason game.
Nurse explains that he is going to get the players out on the floor, but it’s going to depend on what he’s seen in training camp and how the players are feeling.
“I think depending on how guys are feeling, leading into some of those games," Nurse said. "Yeah, I think they'll all get out there kind of like we've done in the past. Guys that are available would play a bit in the first half. But second half probably looking at the other guys."
This is actually what you would expect to see when it comes to preseason. It’s been established that these players need to get some real action to get players in a routine of playing with one another. You also have to include that the players have to do this as part of a conditioning experience so they won’t be easily winded when the real season gets here. So what will be the most important things to look for?
How is the starting five going to look?
If the starting five can be healthy and ready to play, it’s really about the communication. When they get into the half sets and run actual plays, we’re going to see what this offense will truly be. Will it be actual plays they run, or are they going to just play streetball and give everyone a chance to see what they can do with the ball? It will probably be a small sample size, but it will be a big thing to look for. It would also mean something if there are easy transition points because of the way they defend the ball.
Will the bench players prove they will be helpful or hurtful?
Last season, the bench gave very little help, especially when the star players went out for an extended period of time. It’s a big reason why Tyrese Maxey led the league in minutes played with 38 a game. There has to be more balance, especially if the team wants to make it to June. The new acquisitions, Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, are all going to have to prove their worth if they want to make this team a formidable opponent. It may be a long season if this unit struggles to score.
Who is going to be the backup center?
It's going to be a debate until the regular season starts, but who will backup Joel Embiid? It’s a toss-up for the time being, but there could be a chance they rotate between the two during preseason. Adem Bona and Ariel Hukaporti are going to go at it and make this a tough decision, but it’s going to be something to watch.
The preseason is closing, and it’s going to be exciting to see how they handle the players in preparation for the regular season.
