CAMDEN, N.J.–The Philadelphia 76ers believe they have a talented bench unit that they can count on when the time calls for it. In a case when a starter can’t go, coach Doc Rivers likes the idea that he can look down his bench unit and be able to call upon anybody to fill in.
When Joel Embiid can’t go, the Sixers will turn to Montrezl Harrell more often than not. The veteran big man and former 6th Man of the Year winner has started seven of the 42 games he played in. He’s averaging 13.7 points and 7.0 rebounds as a starter with a true shooting percentage of 69.2% and he brings a ton of energy and professionalism.
In terms of his preparation for when he starts and when he comes off the bench, he explained not a lot changes for him.
“Nothing because at the same time, it’s not one of those things that have gone on throughout the full season,” said Harrell. “It’s one of those things it’s kind of in the spur of the moment and what we kind of have to do in that situation, but it doesn’t change my preparation, any different.”
Harrell is not the tallest nor the most athletic guy in the world, but what he brings is a big-time work ethic and a will to make sure he is ready for any challenge thrown at him.
“I still come in and still get my extra work in,” added Harrell. “I still do all the things that I’ve done that kept me in this league this far. I’m continuing to keep building from that, really. There’s really nothing else different from my preparation as if I was coming off the bench, really.”
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