NBA6d ago
Nurse casts James as Sixers offense creator in camp
Philadelphia shifts to schemes on day three, with the veteran set to facilitate alongside Maxey, Brown and Edgecombe ahead of the preseason opener.
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
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Schemes arrive on day three
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse waited until the third day of training camp in Camden, N.J., to roll out offensive schemes. Five-on-zero work Thursday showed the offense moving with ease, yet role clarity will matter as much as the playbook once real games begin. Nurse outlined the part he sees for LeBron James. The 24-year veteran will frequently handle the ball, and the club discussed using him at point forward this offseason, but he will not be the lone creator.
Transition push and half-court table-setting
Nurse identified several grab-and-go options who can rebound and push when the advantage is clear. Beyond James, that starter group includes Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe. The first two days stressed defense to produce stops that fuel instinctive fast-break scoring. In the half court Nurse is glad to have James, who ranks No. 1 in all-time points and No. 4 in all-time assists. He views James as an offense creator and table setter more than pure scorer. Whether James brings the ball up or receives the first pass on the wing, he can read the floor and generate chances for teammates.
Spacing, post balance and collaboration
James, Brown and Joel Embiid can all start actions from the post, though the floor crowds quickly if multiple players plant on the blocks. Brown called it a feel exercise built around established spacing and positions while the group still learns when to attack the rim and when Embiid posts. After practice Brown has worked fadeaways against doubles and outlet passes to the three-point line so he can find open stars. He noted that stretch fives have long complemented his game. Nurse wants a collaborative setup and invites James to share thoughts on nearly anything on the table; he also gathered ideas from five players before practice that morning. Only a couple of sessions remain before the preseason opener Monday against the New York Knicks.
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