Skip to content
Sixers
Link copied to clipboard

A low-key start to training camp for 76ers

The 76ers' opening day of training camp provided a glimpse of what to expect this season. Instead of overloading players, new coach Brett Brown chose to work on just a few things during Saturday's two-hour morning session at St. Joseph's Hagan Arena.

Michael Carter-Williams practices during NBA basketball training camp, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, in Philadelphia. (H. Rumph Jr/AP)
Michael Carter-Williams practices during NBA basketball training camp, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, in Philadelphia. (H. Rumph Jr/AP)Read more

The 76ers' opening day of training camp provided a glimpse of what to expect this season.

Instead of overloading players, new coach Brett Brown chose to work on just a few things during Saturday's two-hour morning session at St. Joseph's Hagan Arena.

"We really just slowly implemented what would be the face of our offense and the face of our defense and made sure we are smart with what you can expect from Day 1," Brown said.

The former San Antonio Spurs assistant said he has learned over the years that the first session of multiple two-a-days is the most dangerous one.

"Because you get so excited to coach, again," said Brown, whose team also worked out Saturday evening. "You get so excited to play again. I think if you go overboard in Day 1, it influences practices five, six, seven, and eight."

The Sixers can't afford for that to happen with a 20-man roster that boasts just six players who have more than two years of experience. This preseason, and season, is all about teaching and developing talent.

So Brown put the Sixers through a hard and sharp practice that concluded an hour ahead of schedule.

Thaddeus Young, who is used to being overloaded during the first practice, liked Brown's approach.

"We got up and down," said the forward, who is entering his seventh season. "We pushed and shoved a little bit. And just got a feel for what's new to come."

The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder spent time at both forward positions in the morning practice. He started the practice at power forward. Rookie point guard Michael Carter-Williams, guard James Anderson, swingman Evan Turner, and center Spencer Hawes joined him on the first team.

The Sixers also on Saturday announced the signings of free-agent post players Solomon Alabi (7-1, 250 pounds) and Nayal "Mac" Koshwal (6-10, 255). Alabi has NBA experience, having played for the Toronto Raptors during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.

Sumpter likely to coach

All signs are pointing to Curtis Sumpter's joining the Sixers coaching staff.

"It's looking like that," Brown said.

The former Villanova standout is interviewing for a player development/video intern job.

Sumpter was a standout forward for the Wildcats from 2002 to 2007. He played professionally overseas in France and Germany and for the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League after college.

He returned to Villanova in 2012 as the student-athlete development assistant.

@PompeyOnSixers

www.inquirer.com/deepsixer