Joel Embiid flashes full health at Sixers camp as LeBron settles in

Joel Embiid gave the Philadelphia 76ers plenty of reason for optimism on Saturday morning, standing out physically during the team’s intrasquad scrimmage at training camp. Reporters on site noted that the star centre moved far better laterally on defence and showed the kind of burst that had been missing while he dealt with knee issues over the past two seasons.

Embiid said the first week of camp has gone smoothly despite a significant roster overhaul. He pointed to the number of new teammates but noted that he has faced many of them over the years and understands how to play alongside them, adding that practices have been more intense and enjoyable. For a franchise that now views itself as a contender again, maintaining this version of Embiid throughout the season is the key storyline.

No restrictions for Embiid as Sixers eye contention

President of basketball operations Mike Gansey indicated that Embiid has been a full participant from day one, taking part in every drill and practice without restrictions. Gansey credited the big man’s off-season work, saying he arrived motivated, in noticeably leaner shape and still displaying elite skill. After being limited to 38 games last year while averaging 26.9 points, Embiid’s ability to consistently attack the rim like he once did will largely determine how far Philadelphia can go.

The Sixers dramatically reshaped their core this summer by adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to join Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Internally, the belief is that this group can match up with the top of the Eastern Conference, provided its franchise centre stays healthy enough to anchor both ends of the floor.

LeBron’s first run, new faces make an impression

James logged his first public minutes in a Sixers uniform during the scrimmage and delivered a few early highlights. He described the outing as "an extension of training camp," saying he is focused on fast-tracking his understanding of the offensive and defensive schemes, the calls and the reads that have been in place in Philadelphia. The new starting lineup of Embiid, James, Brown, Maxey and VJ Edgecombe looked imposing, generating mismatches and scoring with ease in the opening quarter before substitutions broke up the unit.

Beyond the stars, rookie guard Labaron Philon Jr. and free agent centre Ariel Hukporti also drew praise. Philon knocked down a couple of catch-and-shoot jumpers and disrupted multiple possessions defensively, while Hukporti held his own battling Embiid on both ends. With the preseason opener set for Monday night in New York, those showings add intrigue to the competition for rotation spots behind a star-studded front line.