Anfernee Simons did half-court work at 76ers practice, no scrimmaging. On playing Oct. 16, Nick Nurse said "there's certainly some hope." He wants Simons back by Oct. 20, and Adem Bona too, "if we can." Healthy, Simons is his bench guard; if not, Labaron Philon Jr. plays.
Labaron Philon Jr. and Anfernee Simons can both play on or off the ball in the 76ers' bench unit, Simons said, and he can run the offense "if LP's running the point for a long time and he needs a break." The rookie debuts at the Garden on the defending champions' ring night.
"Is it Tyrese and Joel and Jaylen and Labaron or whatever?" Nick Nurse doesn't yet know which 76ers combinations of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Labaron Philon Jr. work. Asked if Brown will lead second-unit lineups: "Possibly. I don't know yet."
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., the 76ers' rookie point guard, played 25 minutes against the Knicks. Nick Nurse said New York was "pinning him on the side a little bit" and the staff will work on giving him a countermove. Philon called matching up with Jalen Brunson surreal.
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.