The Philadelphia 76ers returned home on Saturday very shorthanded in a tough game against the Denver Nuggets. They were missing four starters and key bench players due to health and safety protocols as well as various injuries and that forced coach Doc Rivers to rely on a lot of rookies.
The team started Tyrese Maxey, Isaiah Joe, and Dakota Mathias against the Nuggets on Sunday and they used Paul Reed as one of the two reserves off the bench as well. It was a predictable loss, but it was important that the rookies got the court time they need to continue to grow and develop.
Along with the necessary court time, the Sixers also received a boost from Danny Green and Dwight Howard who were the lone veterans available to play in this one. They almost acted as secondary coaches out there.
“Obviously, with Dwight, Danny just being veterans and smart knowing how to play,” Rivers said. “They were really helpful tonight, both of them, every time out they were supportive. They did a lot of coaching tonight trying to get the guys just to stay in there, hang in there. It was a good thing for our team. Even though I know I still hate losing, it was good for the team.”
Considering that the two of them have combined for four NBA championships and Howard has tailored a Hall of Fame career, their presence, and their wisdom provide a lot for the younger guys.
“We had two great veterans in Danny Green and Dwight Howard who was coaching us the whole way,” said Joe who scored 13 points in just under 45 minutes played. “They definitely had a lot of points to teach during the game. I think that’s the best way to learn.”
Combine that with getting some real playing time and the rookie can feel confident about his performance going forward.
“It feels good,” Joe added. “Especially to get big minutes like that, me as well as a lot of other players. We definitely would love to get the win and that’s what we’re fighting for and the end goal, but just to get out there and get the first game jitters out. Just play basketball is the best feeling.”
Even though it came in a circumstance that nobody wanted to see, it was still good for Joe to earn playing time and Reed as well. The rookies will not grow and develop if they are just sitting on the bench. They have to go out there and play and make mistakes to learn and grow from and have veterans like Green and Howard in their ear helping them along the way.
“I think as a player, playing as many minutes as possible is always a good feeling,” the rookie added. “So definitely today was about getting the rhythm of the game, learning as much as possible. I think a lot of players definitely look forward to playing as many minutes that they can get, especially in times like today when we’re players down and the team is relying on you to hold up your end. Whether you play a lot of minutes or a shorter amount of minutes so today is definitely a good experience.”
Rivers was happy with what Joe brought to the floor on Saturday despite shooting only 3-for-11 from deep. It was important to him to see the rookies go out there and be able to feel validated as NBA basketball players.
“Even though they believe it, I think they need verification sometimes that they are NBA players,” Rivers explained. “Some of these guys, and you can see it as it went on, Isaiah Joe. I think he’s gonna be a terrific player and you can see him settling down, getting his legs.”
The Sixers will now head to Atlanta to face the Hawks where they hope they will get a little healthier.
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