Nick Nurse is ready to get the ball rolling with his new team. He wants to lay the foundation right from the start.
The Philadelphia 76ers have just completed their first day of training camp, and this team has plenty to learn. Head coach Nick Nurse sat down with the press to discuss the first day of training camp and how the vision of this team can come to light.
“You got to build your defense, and that starts with getting your defense set up and all that kind of stuff," said Nurse.
The statement may not mean much for most, but it’s very impactful when you read between the lines. This is proof that everything that will make this team successful is going to start with their defense. Everybody knows how potent the offense can be, but it’s really going to be the defense that changes the tide in key games. It’s pretty on par for a coach like Nurse.
Nurse has a history of coaching great defensive teams, and most of them have proven to be very successful, and one even led him to an NBA championship. That’s the type of team he’s trying to build in Philadelphia. Now, the front office has given him the tools to do just that. Adding Jaylen Brown and LeBron James are certainly pleasant pieces to have when trying to build a championship defense. Nurse went on to discuss how they have great communication, and it’s only the first day. During the interview, Nurse continuously harped on defense, and James was a big reason why. His voice was the loudest, and it’s what a leader does for his team.
Nurse went on to detail how they have great communication, and it’s only the first day. He applauded LeBron James for being such a vocal leader for this team and that it has an impact on the players. During the interview, Nurse continuously harped on defense, and James was a big reason why. His voice was the loudest, and it’s what a leader does for his team.
Nurse explains that the first day of training camp is really a feeling-out process. It’s a huge realization that even though it’s day one, the team has a long way to go. The understanding is that defense will be their anchor, and the players will be the shipmates that secure the line.
VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embid; all of these guys will be the reason why a defensive team rises or falls with their ship. Nurse has to find a way to make these guys fully commit to being the best on every single play if they want to be the competitors the names on the paper claim that they are.
Training camp may just be starting, but it’s the players who have to get it in gear if there will be a chance to be successful.
