Sixers Media Day in Review
After long months of waiting, our sweet, sweet boys are back!
Monday was Media day for the 76ers and the team took to their Camden practice facility like kids on the first day of school. Each dressed in their coolest outfit, ready to have their photos taken, excited to make new friends, and eager to get to work.
The Sixers new starting five pose for their team photo during Media Day. Photo courtesy of 76ers Twitter account.
It was an exciting day where Sixers fans finally got their first look at this year’s team. Josh Richardson, Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, and Al Horford were together for the first time in all of their gigantic glory. Interesting note, not a single member of the Sixers’ new starting five has a tattoo. They’re just some good, wholesome boys.
There was an overall giddiness to the team as they couldn’t contain their excitement about being back together. By the end of his press session, Richardson was getting antsy from talking and ready to play. Part of this eagerness stems from how the Sixers ended things last season and the run the Toronto Raptors subsequently went on. For players like Harris, Kawhi Leonard’s shot rung in their heads all offseason and served as a fuel. He said the entire facility had a sense of urgency and hunger about it after last season. The Sixers want a title.
Several players mentioned defense as a focus heading into this season. Head coach Brett Brown is trying to put an emphasis on the defensive end and it seems to be resonating with his new roster. Specifically, Harris mentioned that improving on the defensive end is a huge goal for him this season. He hopes to be more of a two way player in order to help his teammates.
It seemed as though Brown had yet to inform his players of their potential roles prior to media day, as most players were unsure of what to expect. Kyle O’Quinn was especially surprised when a reporter implied he would be playing behind both Embiid and Horford. Judging by his reaction, the backup center role – amongst others – seems yet to be decided.
Here are some of the other highlights from each player’s press conference:
Joel Embiid
Joel says he spent his Summer rehabbing and trying to get his body right. After their loss to the Raptors in the playoffs, he knew he needed to focus on being healthier. Says he’s down 20 pounds from what he weighted last season, but he’s still looking to lose another five pounds. Apparently he had reached his target weight, but ended up packing on a few too many pounds in muscle.
Embiid also mentioned that he’s working with GM Elton Brand to figure out how to best manage his minutes this season. He said that after the last GM, they needed to be able to trust each other and it seems Brand is making strides to guarantee a strong relationship. Brand even brought in a load management specialist to help plan out Embiid’s work load to ensure he’s healthy for the playoffs.
Ben Simmons
If it wasn’t clear before, it is now: Ben Simmons wants to win a championship. Whenever asked about anything related to individual statistics or accolades, Simmons responded with the same remark, I want to win a championship. Nothing else matters to him except holding a trophy down Broad Street.
Simmons said that a switch flipped in him and he’s a different type of player now. Says that he previously paid too much attention to the outside noise, but he fell in love with basketball over the Summer and is more focused than ever. Tobias Harris even called him a gym rat and says he’s seen a lot of growth in the point guard.
Simmons loudly echoed the team’s emphasis on the defensive end. Says that he wants to be the best defensive player on the team. That’s the only accolade that matters to him. He also said he hopes his teammates are striving for the same things.
Oh, and Ben said he’s going to shoot three’s.
Tobias Harris
With Kawhi Leonard’s season-ending shot still lingering in his mind, Harris spent his offseason working on his defense. His top priority is to be a better defender this season. He wants to be seen as a two-way player not only for himself, but his teammates as well so they have fewer responsibilities.
The versatility of the roster also had Harris pretty excited. He said that teams won’t be able to go small against them. Because of their size and versatility, the team will be able to use a number of different concepts in order to create mismatches. He mentioned the team also has a great sense of comradery which will be a huge help moving forward.
Al Horford
Horford saw Philadelphia as a destination in free agency. The opportunity to play alongside the best big in the league was a dream come true. He sees Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid as hard workers with bright futures.
Defense is going to be the strength of this team and Horford believes it’s going to make them special. The team’s versatility allows for fluidity with their players and can provide a lot on defense. With their size, he says everyone will be able to help out and watch each other’s backs.
Josh Richardson
According to Josh Richardson, if there’s one thing you can expect out of him this season, it’s intensity. He’s going to play every play like it’s his last. He knows there are going to be comparison to Jimmy Butler and JJ Reddick thrown his way, but he’s ready to play his game and help the team win in any way he knows how. Brett Brown even called Richardson the team’s secret weapon, and the player who brings the starting five together.
Richardson is prepared for any role he may play this season. Mentioned he played some point guard with the Miami Heat, which adds to the teams versatility. Also mentioned that he operated as a primary defender in Miami, so he’s ready to do the same here. By the end of his press conference, Richardson was jostling with so much excitement in his chair, he looked ready to run to the nearest basketball court.
Mike Scott
Of course, Mike Scott spoke mostly about his fight at the Eagles tailgate. He said he was very remorseful and that in hindsight he should’ve walked away. He also says that the Eagles fan crossed a line with what he said, and Scott had to, “see if he matched that energy.”
All in all, Scott said he had fun at the tailgate and holds no ill will towards the fan. Says he would’ve dapped him up if he saw him later that day. Scott also mentioned that he was thankful the Eagles won because he wasn’t ready to fight a whole stadium.
Scott says his midrange and low post game were a huge focus over the Summer. With the team’s versatility, he wants to get back to his old ways of punishing smaller defenders in the post.
Kyle O’Quinn even crashed the interview and asked a question about their hometown in Virginia.
James Ennis III
Unlike some other players formerly of this team, James Ennis III is ready to run it back. He said the reason he chose to resign in Philadelphia was because he loved it here and wanted to win a championship after last year’s heartbreak of an ending. They may have lost some shooters in the offseason, but he believes they’ll make up for it on defense.
Ennis says he worked on everything in his game over the Summer, but he most specifically worked on his body, diet, and stretching. He said he’s unsure of his role right now, but he’s ready to play hard no matter what. He says he wants to be a defensive leader for the team’s bench.
Kyle O’Quinn
Kyle O’Quinn is confident and ready to play. He said he considers himself to be one of the league’s best backup big men. Says he knows the value of creating a run for the other units and maintaining energy. He likes to contribute as a passer and is always looking to be a good teammate. He knows his role as a leader and is here to help his younger teammates with the minutiae of the season, like travel routine.
Like most others mentioned, O’Quinn is excited about the size and versatility of this team. Unlike most others, O’Quinn also spoke about his work at Bar Mitzvahs and gauged the room for any potential inquiries.
Trey Burke
As an undersized point guard, Allen Iverson was a huge influence on Trey Burke. And now, being able to wear the same colors as his idol, it is not something he takes lightly. Burke says he was looking for somewhere he could be himself, and he saw Philadelphia as a destination. He sees himself as a spark off the bench for the Sixers.
Burke was also asked about his relationship with Raul Neto as the two formerly duked it out for a starting point guard gig with the Utah Jazz. He says he’s still friends with Neto and believes they can both find roles in the offense.
Matisse Thybulle
We can all breath a little easier because Matisse Thybulle says his ankle is feeling fine. He told reporters he’d jump around for them if they wanted. This is great news a week after everyone lost their minds over a potential injury to another Sixers rookie. Here’s hoping Matisse can break the curse.
He also spoke about coming from a zone defense at Washington. He doesn’t believe it will hold him back at all as he transitions to the next level. Said that he’s basically played man defense his entire life outside of college, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Zhaire Smith and Thybulle seem to have a blossoming best friendship. He said that he and Smith pick each others brain often and are constantly talking to each other about ways to improve. He added that he’s excited to have a young defensive specialist for him to grow and play alongside.
Zhaire Smith
First and foremost, Zhaire Smith says his weight is up to 207 and he’s ready for the season. Compared to where was last year and the severity of his situation, this is great news. He says he feels like a rookie all over again because now he can actually play and take part in activities. Adds that he’s more confident now and has a feel for the game.
Smith mentioned that the team has a number of athletic wings on their bench and that it’ll be their responsibility to get stops and control the energy of games. He was unsure of his role when asked, but he seemed unconcerned. He said that his main concern is development. I found his phrasing to be interesting considering Brett Brown has had some difficulty find time for his younger guys on the court.
Shake Milton
Shake Milton says he feels no pressure to take over as the backup point guard. Feels relaxed and ready to help the team how he can. Says he’s healthy after Summer League and ready to play.
Milton also mentioned that he looks to Josh Richardson as a role model on the team. There are a number of connections between the two, both play in the backcourt, both went in the second round, and both are from Oklahoma. Milton says he tries to model his game off Richardson’s and he’s very excited to have him on the team.
Jonah Bolden
Jonah Bolden was asked multiple times about where he might be playing this season, either the four or the five, but he didn’t have an answer. Says because of the team’s length and versatility, it isn’t really an issue.
Bolden has high expectations for himself this season. He acknowledges that there’s much less margin for error going into year, but he’s ready. Says one of his biggest takeaways from his rookie season was the league’s attention to detail. Hopefully this means he’s going to foul less in his second season.
Marial Shayock
Marial Shayock is being asked to do things he didn’t typically in college. He knows he will be shooting a lot of corner three’s this season, and although it wasn’t his game in college, he’s ready to adapt for his team. He’s ready to embrace his role as a corner specialist.
Shayock also spoke about learning the NBA game. He’s excited to get started, but he knows he has a lot to learn. Knows this team has a lot of talented vets and he’s excited to learn from them and get better.
