Ariel Hukporti went down injured against the Knicks and Nick Nurse gave no status or timeline. Jaylen Brown: "I hope it's nothing too severe. I guess they're going to get some second imaging." A reporter raised the Achilles; the 76ers haven't confirmed it.
Jabari Walker and Dean Wade are where Nick Nurse will start at backup center with Ariel Hukporti injured, the 76ers coach said at practice. Walker has earned it: "I think Jabari's played outstanding, actually."
Losing Ariel Hukporti is "a blow for, for the team, especially this early on," Nick Nurse said at 76ers practice. His small-ball center group: Jabari Walker, Dominick Barlow, Dean Wade and Labaron Philon Jr. He'll "probably go with that crew unless something else emerges."
Labaron Philon Jr. says Joel Embiid has been fully practicing in 76ers camp. Philon says his college system is translating: "I've been telling guys where to go," connecting with big men Ariel Hukporti, Adem Bona and Embiid.
Nick Nurse said LeBron James stops sets in practice to show teammates the exact angles: "This is the angle we need." Ariel Hukporti, asked about competing with Adem Bona for minutes: "whoever gets in, gets in, getting that job done." They faced off as teens: Germany vs. Turkey.