Lead, Follow, Or Get Out Of The Way
While players try to heal in time to make sufficient impact to remain on this roster, the core of the team has already begun to assert themselves. In fact, the injury to Ben Simmons is forcing both Embiid and Saric to step up.
"“I think because of Ben was injured this first period of the season, I think chemistry between me and Joel, we must working on that. I think it will be one of the main parts of the team.” – Dario Saric"
But it’s a lot to expect rookies to step up and lead this team. At some point, veterans must take up the yolk and help guide this team.
After a rough debut, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is a young player who needs a guiding hand. And to that point, there is none better in a Philadelphia 76ers jersey than Gerald Henderson, who has been working with the rookie so far.
Brotherhood. pic.twitter.com/UuuFfx72T9
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 3, 2016
Similarly, the front court looks to Elton Brand for mentorship. It has been Brand who has played peacemaker to Nerlens Noel‘s frustration over the team’s center situation. It’s also Brand who has been working with Richaun Holmes, whose play has improved greatly this season.
"Anyone who knows me knows I love EB" - Richaun Holmes on Elton Brand
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) September 26, 2016
Ultimately, with so many young players, the success or failure of this team will rest in the hands of rookies.