While they were promised hell with the James Harden affair, the Sixers managed the start of the season perfectly with six victories in seven matches, and the departure of the former MVP went smoothly with the arrivals of four wingers: Robert Covington, KJ Martin, Marcus Morris and Nicolas Batum. The Frenchman arrived last, but in his first match, he seduced with 11 points at 3/4 3-pointers.
Nick Nurse focused on their game and his effective rotation, it’s Pat Beverley who devoted himself to their integration. “I speak, and I evoke their position” explains the barking leader. “Obviously, we don’t expect them to know all the systems, but we definitely have a DNA here with Nick Nurse. It’s about being physical and giving your all. So, clearly, I coach on those aspects, and everything else will come. »
Nicolas Batum plays fair
For the moment, only Robert Covington and therefore Nicolas Batum have made appearances in the rotation, and Patrick Beverley is a big fan of the Frenchman. Listening to him, you have the impression that he is talking about the Boris Diaw of San Antonio.
“He’s a very intelligent player, and he plays the right way.” continues Patrick Beverley. “When you have someone who plays like that, unselfishly, it makes it easier for everyone. When he, Korkmaz and I are on the field together, we have three very intelligent players who can play the right way. We’re having fun, and it shows in the stats sheet in the +/- column. »
The Sixers will need everyone
It is now up to Nick Nurse to fine-tune his rotation as best as possible to find playing time for everyone. But it will be complicated.
“They are professionals” recalls Tobias Harris. “They’ve been in the NBA for a while. For us, it’s simply a matter of welcoming them and helping them progress, because we will need them. We’ve been saying it since the trade, but we have 15 guys that can be in the rotation. Collectively, it’s about realizing that we can be called on some evenings, and other evenings not. We have to stay ready and we need this extra effort from everyone. »
