When they’ve allowed media onto the practice floor, the first thing we’ve seen is spirited 1-on-1 battles with many Sixers players. Most of those have not featured Joel Embiid. On Tuesday, the big fella
took part.
Unsurprisingly, he basically dominated.
These sessions have gotten pretty competitive over the last couple weeks. Embiid, with a clear size advantage over all participants, was winning reps pretty regularly.
“Obviously, the cheat code was out there today,” Kelly Oubre Jr. said of Embiid. “It was good to just guard him and have him see different bodies as well, but it was fun.“
At one point, Paul George stripped Embiid, much to the delight of the other players participating — Tyrese Maxey, Oubre, Justin Edwards and Jabari Walker — and much to the dismay of the former MVP.
Embiid asked for a foul call — he’s in midseason form. He was awarded the foul and another opportunity against George. He then sunk a fadeaway over the veteran wing. A few moments later, Maxey snuck by Embiid for a layup. Again, while the others cheered, Embiid punted a ball into the rafters.
If you’re hoping for the Sixers to show some fight this season, these 1-on-1 competitions are a welcomed sign.
Many of you are likely groaning OK, great … but when is Embiid going to be ready to play? Head coach Nick Nurse was asked if Embiid had been ruled out for Friday’s preseason finale at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nurse said he has not yet. The fact that it’s even a possibility feels like a small victory as opening night in Boston quickly approaches.
“I think there’s some chance, yeah,” Nurse said. “I don’t think we’re there yet; it’s a little early in the week to decide. It still could go either way. I think we’ve got some thresholds to get over yet before we get to that point.”
All of Embiid, George and Trendon Watford participated in parts of practice Tuesday. It’s clear Embiid is the closest to being ready to play, followed by George. Unfortunately, it sounds like a Watford, an important free agency addition who was set to have a big role, could be the furthest out.
A positive is that it appears Quentin Grimes should be ready to go. The guard said he feels fully acclimated to the team’s new offense and that the plan is for him to play Friday. Nurse again on Tuesday hinted at playing three- or four-guard lineups.
Grimes is ready.
“Whatever Nick needs me to do to go out there and help the team win — one, two, three, guard fours maybe if I have to,“ Grimes said.
