Joel Embiid, Sixers remain impressed with Georges Niang, bench unit
The Philadelphia 76ers wrapped up Day 3 of training camp on Wednesday as they continue with their preparation for the 2021-22 season. At this point, the Sixers need to grow team chemistry and get everybody on the same page to chase down a championship.
The additions they made in the offseason were focused on improving the depth for the second unit. The Sixers brought in big men Georges Niang and Andre Drummond in order to provide the proper depth behind Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris and they have been turning heads through the first three days of camp.
“They’re gonna be great,” said Embiid. “Georges is a great shooter and he knows how to play the game of basketball and I think he’s a really good playmaker and defensively, he tries.”
Then, there is Drummond who despite his “beef” with Embiid in the past, he is showing off his value to this team to begin camp.
“As far as Andre, we know what he is,” Embiid continued. “A great rebounder, he’s got great hands, he can pass the ball, and we’re challenging him to get to the free-throw line and make more, especially over the years he’s gotten better, but as we know a couple years ago, he was a bad one. Through hard work, he’s gotten better so that’s great.”
The second unit has had an impressive beginning to camp and Thursday was no different. The Sixers are happy with what that group has brought to the table.
“We scrimmaged a lot,” coach Doc Rivers told reporters. “The blue was phenomenal as the second group today. They dominated practice and white struggled today which happens early in training camp. Shake (Milton) and Furk (Korkmaz), Matisse (Thybulle), Drummond, and Georges, that group is having a hell of a camp right.”
The bench unit had issues of keeping leads in the past, but they are hoping that the additions they made with this group can keep things going when the starters get off to a good start. On the flip side, they are hoping to give the starters a boost when the time comes.
If training camp is any indication, they are going to put together some solid production on the floor in the upcoming season.
“It’s funny because we’re the group that has been trying to get to know each other with Andre and Georges,” laughed Thybulle. “Just trying to get a feel for me, Shake, and Furk, but it’s been fun. The ball’s been flying around. The energy that we’ve been playing with on both ends of the court has been unreal. So it’s been a blast. It’s a great sign to see that we’re starting off doing this well.”
Training camp is used to build good habits and chemistry and they have done a good job of including guys like Niang thus far. He feels like he is a part of the team right now and that they are building a solid foundation.
“It’s been great,” he expressed. “I think the guys have done a great job of really welcoming me and making me get acclimated quicker than I actually thought so that’s been great. Doc’s been good about getting us all together and building team camaraderie, especially for me, Dre, and the new guys that are here so I think the first three days have been really awesome. I think we’re building a great foundation to have a great year.”
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