The Philadelphia 76ers fired up the weekend with a public scrimmage, hosting thousands of fans for their annual Blue x White game.
While the event typically takes place in Delaware at the home of the Blue Coats, the Sixers moved the game to South Philly at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. That wasn't the only difference this year.
Beyond getting more of a fan presence with the added space, the Sixers actually rolled out their key starters to play. LeBron James and Jaylen Brown suited up for the action, while Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe joined in.
Even though some of those guys didn't play with the Sixers in the past, everybody tuned in already knew what they bring to the table. These events are good to see which player deeper on the depth chart managed to raise his stock.
3 Sixers to be bullish on after the scrimmage
Ariel Hukporti, C
Coming from the New York Knicks, the Sixers faced Hukporti's team plenty over the two years he was there. However, being third-string on the depth chart, Hukporti didn't play much. The Sixers are hoping that he can compete for the backup center position this offseason.
By default, Hukporti was getting plenty of action on Saturday. Currently, Adem Bona is out with a foot injury and will be re-evaluated soon. Tacko Fall was around for just two days before he suffered a hip injury that will take him off the court for multiple weeks.
As stated before, it's difficult to be confident in Hukporti's progress this offseason, based on Nick Nurse's evaluation, but there was certainly some promise during the scrimmage. The Sixers need help with rim protection and rebounding. If Hukporti can be a positive presence there, then he'll be helpful during the regular season.
Labaron Philon Jr.
Not many players on the Sixers' roster have garnered more praise than the rookie throughout the first week of training camp.
The 76ers wouldn't talk down about him either way, as that doesn't do anything positive for a rookie's confidence, but the praise feels genuine. Philon had an excellent run during the scrimmage. He looks like he has a real shot at winning a legitimate backup ball-handling role in year one with this star-studded team. If Philon maintains that level of play throughout the preseason, the 76ers shouldn't think twice about making him a role player.
Jabari Walker, PF
This is a guy who needs to stand out every chance he gets. Walker is the only player on the team with a standard contract that isn't fully guaranteed. Many were surprised to see that he survived the Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signing, since Walker felt like the obvious cut candidate.
As I mentioned before, help in the rebounding department is much needed for this team. It felt like Walker was everywhere, grabbing boards when he was on the floor. Being able to do dirty work will give Walker a shot at getting minutes on this team when the team is shorthanded. I'd say Saturday was a great look for his stock.
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