PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers have a new coach, Nick Nurse, which means a new system for the players to learn.
After three seasons of pick-and-rolls and focusing on the stars in the Doc Rivers system, the Sixers are using more of a free-flowing offense focused on ball movement and allowing everybody to get involved.
After missing the first three preseason games, Joel Embiid was able to get on the floor in the finale and get used to Nurse’s system. He shot only 3-for-12 from the floor, but that can be attributed to rust as it looked like his legs were not there.
The main focus is it looks like Embiid enjoys being in Nurse’s system.
“I think I’ve always wanted to play that way,” Embiid said. “I never liked just being an ISO player. I don’t think that’s the right way to play, and I don’t think that’s the right way to win. So I like the system.”
Nurse’s style of play allows Embiid to be more of a playmaker. There were plenty of times when he was something of a quarterback on the floor, directing guys to where they needed to be. He made a few pinpoint passes, something he wants to continue.
“There were a couple of passes, guys weren’t expecting it,” Embiid added. “I’m telling them I’m like when you cut, you gotta cut hard and you got to cut to meaning and you got to be ready to receive the ball and there was a few times where I’ll pass it and they weren’t ready.”
The Sixers are at a point heading into the 2023-24 season where they need to win right now. Other teams in their conference have added to their core to seriously contend in the East. It will be on Embiid to lead this group and make sure they’re in the same position.
“I just want to come in and look for those guys and just play as a team,” the reigning MVP finished. “Just keep moving the ball and, hopefully, that helps us win.”
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