In order to win in the NBA, a team obviously has to have a lot of talent. That has to be number 1 on the priority list. However, chemistry is likely a close second when building a team.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been building a lot of chemistry to begin the 2021-22 season despite not having a majority of their roster. They have not had Ben Simmons and they have not had guys like Joel Embiid or Tobias Harris for stretches either.
Still, the team has really grown to know each other well and it is paying off on the floor. The Sixers were able to knock off the Sacramento Kings on Monday despite not having four starters which is an impressive feat.
“We really like each other off the court,” said Tyrese Maxey. “So when you like each other off the court, hanging out with each other, talking on the plane, talking on the bus, you can persevere through anything. I mean, like when a time gets hard, you don’t separate, you come together, and I think that’s one thing that we’re going to try to build on.”
One might think that these guys just get along naturally. In reality, it takes time to build that. The fact that these guys have been able to figure it out this quickly is something that has been impressive and the Sixers have been benefitting from it.
“Guys want to hang out,” added Matisse Thybulle. “It doesn’t feel like when you’re forced to interact, it feels like it’s a choice that we make because we want to be around each other and like, talk crap and all that stuff. It’s a good environment.”
These moments are so important for team chemistry to grow. When a team can go on the road and be able to enjoy each other’s company and be able to get along well, that goes such a long way when it comes to having success on the floor.
“Every flight, there’s guys playing games or guys talking, the speakers booming like it’s kind of crazy,” said Shake Milton. “Sometimes you try and go to sleep and the speakers is going nuts but yeah, no, it’s definitely fun to see. It’s exciting to see. We’re always trying to link up and go to dinner or whatever. So I would say the chemistry this team has is really good and I think it’s gonna just continue to grow and help us in the future.”
Then, there are newcomers like Andre Drummond and Georges Niang. The two of them have been able to fit like a glove and the Sixers have truly welcomed them which has helped the team grow a bit more. That helps in games like Monday when they are truly so shorthanded.
“We all like each other so it doesn’t really matter who’s on the floor,” said Drummond. “We’re all going to find a way to get it done.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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