The Philadelphia 76ers have a lot relying on yet-to-be-seen center Joel Embiid, but it looks as if the second time around, his injury is doing much better with some rehab, because he’s been very visible before games warming up. Brett Brown says there’s a reason, and it’s because Embiid is doing much better. CSN predicts Ish Smith’s best days are still ahead, and Philly.com says Jerami Grant can be a crucial piece of the Sixers’ success.
Sixers different with Ish Smith, whose ‘better days are ahead of him’ — CSN Philly
"“Based on my career, I have no idea what’s going on,” Smith said with a laugh after the Sixers’ practice on Tuesday at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. “Ideally, yes, it would have been great to be here. But based on my career, I have no idea where I’m going to be.” Perhaps it’s Smith’s inability to stick with one team for too long that has made his time in Philadelphia so interesting. After all, he’s played in the NBA for Houston, Memphis, Golden State, Orlando, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Oklahoma City and New Orleans. He also went to camp with Washington, played for Rio Grande Valley in the D-League and was waived six times. He was never drafted after four seasons at Wake Forest, but went to the playoffs in three straight seasons with three different teams. Yet through it all it wasn’t until Smith arrived in Philadelphia where he got the chance to show he could play. “I think first and foremost, it’s an example right in front of our nose of how good NBA point guards are, how good starting NBA point guards are,” coach Brett Brown said. “He’s a journeyman, and we love him. But that position is elite. That’s sort of the crown jewel when you’re forming a roster, ultimately, you’re going to need a point guard. I think Ish’s better days are ahead of him.”"
Embiid More Visible “for a Reason” — Sixers.com
"“I think everybody sort of sees more of him for a reason,” said Brown. “We think he’s heading in a really, really positive direction, both physically and mentally. We’re going at a pace we’re all happy with. We understand how crucial it is that we don’t miss a beat, and he does, too. And I just think that like all over the place, he’s in a great spot. The more that you come into the gym, and you see him, I think you’d agree you’re seeing something a little different and more frequent than you would have last year.” Embiid underwent a comprehensive bone graft operation to solidify his right navicular bone on August 18th at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. No fewer than five surgeons oversaw the procedure, which was also monitored by David T. Martin, the Sixers’ Director of Performance Research and Development. Martin gained international acclaim at the Australian institute of Sport, and is running point on Embiid’s rehab assignment."
Jerami Grant can be a crucial piece of Sixers’ success — Philly.com
"“He’ll get there naturally. Look at the width of his shoulders. Genes. Genetics. DNA. I think he’s going to carry his weight well; I don’t think it’s going to make him ground-bound,” Brown said. “The sky is the limit for him,” said veteran point guard Ish Smith, who has played with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant among his nine teams in six NBA seasons. “Defensively, he’s unbelievable. Offensively, he’s a juggernaut.” Well, maybe not a juggernaut. Grant averages 8.9 points on 42.2 percent shooting, dismal for a skywalker with a quick first step who is excellent at running the floor and finishing at the rim. Grant’s shooting percentage is sabotaged by his 19.7 percent mark for three-pointers. That’s down from 31.4 percent as a rookie, and last in the league among players who have taken at least 75 threes; last, by 5 percentage points. Uh…Brett? “I think that part of his game will be the swing vote that separates him,” Brown said."