76ers Offer Encouraging First Look at New-Look Roster in Public Scrimmage
The Philadelphia 76ers are still weeks away from finding out exactly what their rebuilt roster can become, but Saturday’s Blue x White Scrimmage offered an intriguing first look.
Nearly 10,000 fans packed Xfinity Mobile Arena to see a starting group of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid share the floor publicly for the first time. The result was only an intrasquad scrimmage, but there were several encouraging signs for a team carrying championship expectations. (NBA.com)
Perhaps the most important was Embiid.
After years of knee issues and questions surrounding his availability, the former MVP looked noticeably more mobile. Embiid attacked the rim, stepped outside for a three and showed greater activity defensively, including defending higher in pick-and-roll situations than Philadelphia has typically asked of him in recent seasons.
More importantly, team president Mike Gansey said Embiid has participated in every practice and drill during training camp without restrictions. James, who played alongside Embiid during the 2024 Olympics, said the center looks considerably healthier than he did two years ago. (Allphly)
Then there was James.
At 41 years old, Philadelphia’s biggest offseason addition hardly looked like a player interested in easing into his new surroundings. James threw down multiple dunks, connected from outside and flashed his passing ability while helping push an offense that appears determined to play with more pace and movement. (NBA.com)
The most interesting takeaway, however, may have been how naturally Philadelphia’s pieces seemed to complement each other.
The Sixers moved the basketball quickly rather than simply alternating isolation possessions between their stars. Maxey’s speed remained a weapon in transition, Brown attacked mismatches, Edgecombe consistently moved without the ball and Embiid operated as both a scorer and facilitator. (PhillyVoice)
Edgecombe could become particularly dangerous in that environment. With defenses forced to account for Embiid, James, Brown and Maxey, the 21-year-old should have plenty of opportunities to attack gaps rather than create everything himself. His athleticism was on full display Saturday, including several emphatic finishes around the rim. (SI)
Rookie guard Labaron Philon Jr. was another player who helped himself. Philon showed patience with the ball and competed defensively against Philadelphia’s veteran stars, continuing an impressive start to training camp. Ariel Hukporti also made a case for minutes at backup center with Adem Bona sidelined by a foot sprain. (SI)
Of course, a public scrimmage in early October cannot answer the biggest questions facing Philadelphia. The Sixers still need to prove this group can stay healthy, establish roles and maintain the same chemistry once games begin to count.
But Saturday provided something Philadelphia has not always had entering recent seasons: a healthy Embiid, an unusually deep collection of star talent and genuine excitement about how all of the pieces might fit together.
For one afternoon, at least, the possibilities were difficult to ignore.
