Maxey welcomes extra practice time with Embiid as Sixers install offense

Tyrese Maxey says having Joel Embiid on the practice court has allowed Philadelphia to install more of its offense before the season, instead of trying to teach it during games.

Speaking after Thursday’s practice in Camden, New Jersey, Maxey said a healthy Embiid “changes everything,” ESPN’s Kris Rhim reported. In previous camps interrupted by Embiid’s injuries, the Sixers had fewer chances to rehearse together. Maxey said they sometimes had to learn packages as games unfolded.

Maxey has spent six years playing alongside Embiid. He knows where the center likes to catch the ball and how to cut around him. Philadelphia’s new arrivals, including LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, are still learning those details. Maxey said two to three weeks of work with Embiid during camp can help the newcomers get comfortable.

The Sixers added James and Brown to a group that also includes VJ Edgecombe. In the NBA’s official season preview, John Schuhmann identified sharing the ball among Philadelphia’s high-usage scorers as a central task for coach Nick Nurse. That makes time together in practice useful: the players can work through spacing and passing decisions before the games count.

Embiid’s availability has often interrupted that work. He appeared in 38 regular-season games last season, Rhim reported.

Sources

ESPN: Maxey on a healthy Embiid · NBA: Philadelphia season preview