The usual highlights of the Sixers' first week back to work in September are a few stray quotes and jokes from the players on media day. It's an admittedly slow time of year, and without any new games to analyze following a long offseason, training camp ends up being a bit of a waiting game. But this year, the Sixers decided to pack a lot of excitement into their first week back. The surprise hiring of former player Elton Brand was the biggest story of the week, with Philadelphia finally deciding on a long-term direction for the franchise. That shoved to the side a whole lot of important details from Brett Brown's annual luncheon, updates from the players on their summer vacations, and just about anything else you can think of in Sixers world. It's go time down at the practice facility, and the Sixers are all set to put some work in before they embark on an extended preseason trip to China. Before things get going on Saturday afternoon, we're here to take you through some of the biggest storylines to watch as things kick off, with quotes and thoughts from the players and coaching staff on the road ahead. And away we go... What will Markelle Fultz's jumper look like this season? It was telling, I thought, that Markelle Fultz's response to a question about his goals this season started with his own personal satisfaction, and not a series of benchmarks he's striving to hit in year two. "I think for me, a successful season for me is just being happy first and foremost. Being happy with how I'm playing, not really worrying about what other people think," Fultz told reporters at media day. "And then just contributing to my team in any way. Being myself, my personality, and then the way I play on the court and just being able to showcase that. Everything else will take care of itself." It's an understandable approach for a kid in his shoes to take. Fultz insisted once again that his problems last season all stemmed from a physical issue, though he was forthcoming about the mental strain of having basketball slip through his fingers while dealing with the accompanying media circus. At the end of the day he's a kid who loves to play basketball, and finding the joy in his profession will help everything else slide into place. The question of whether everything will slide into place around him is still fair to question. Philadelphia is already built around a player who isn't a threat to shoot, and can hardly afford for Fultz to come in and lack an outside game altogether. Their future is riding on his development on some level. No one can question the amount of work he has put in to get back into top form as a shooter. Brett Brown told reporters at his luncheon that Fultz had put up upwards of 150,000 shots this summer, and Fultz told reporters at media day that the majority of his days this summer were spent in three-a-day sessions in the gym, working to get himself right. Even still, the people around him can't help but hedge when asked about what he'll bring to the table. Brown spoke to some inconsistency he sees when offering a longer answer on Tuesday. When I look at the actual form, there are times from a posture standpoint he's a little bit backwards. When you look at him rising up or getting the ball in his shot pocket, sometimes his head [is] a little back and he'll play out of a fade type environment, a fade type fundamental that we want to try to correct. I think Drew Hanlen has been incredibly caring, he truly has connected with Markelle. The work he's put in, I give him credit for it, we've seen an improved shot as he's come back, and I especially respect his ability to just look to shoot. Fultz is said to be seeking out shots, which is progress in itself, but the empty gym videos will only satiate the public for so long. Teammate Joel Embiid believes Fultz can be a high-level contributor no matter what the state of his jumper is. Formidable as his skill package may be, Fultz's jumper is the key to unlocking the potential of Philadelphia's long-term core. What changes to Ben Simmons' game are coming in year two? If you're the sort of person who spent the summer yelling about Kendall Jenner's impact on Simmons' life and career, a quip he made to open media day couldn't have sat well. "It's really one of those things where I want to keep getting better and keep working towards being great. It's going to take a lot of time, I'm not going to come in and hit threes this season, that's not what I'm going to do, but I'm going to get better," said Simmons. Shutting the door on expectations for a three-point shot will be disappointing to some, but setting realistic expectations for the season is probably a good thing. As Embiid was happy to note during his own availability, Simmons dominated in the paint last season despite teams knowing that's the only place he was a major offensive threat. That says something about both his talent and recognition of his limitations. Simmons ran through a laundry list of things — touch around the basket, defensive work, shooting — that he worked on this summer, telling reporters his routine changed depending on the day. This tracks with what he and his coach have insisted from the very beginning: Simmons will be defined by much more than his jump shot. But as with Fultz, this can only be true to a certain extent. Yes, Simmons is capable of a long and successful career regardless of what happens with his jumper, but when push comes to shove in the playoffs, the more capable defensive teams are going to force him out of his comfort zones. Being able to limit opponents as they do that will be the difference between being a supreme talent and turning into a legitimate star.<doc-sep>With Opening Night just over three weeks away, only a few things remain before NBA action returns: media day, training camp, and preseason games. As the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers head to China for preseason games, they were the first two teams to hold their media days on Saturday, Sept. 22. On Tuesday, Sept. 25, the rest of the league held their media days, building even more anticipation for the upcoming season. From old faces in new places to sound bites from the league's biggest stars, here is the best from 2018 NBA media days across the league. Los Angeles Lakers Reporter: "What, if anything at this stage of your career, creates pressure for you? "@KingJames: "Nothing. "#NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/BHaKI6vxnV — NBA TV (@NBATV) September 24, 2018 Golden State Warriors On the basketball side of things, @boogiecousins says the NBA will see a "new DeMarcus" when he returns from injury. https://t.co/79zXnXXNiC #GWSMediaDay pic.twitter.com/gGpj0ofBxc — Brendan Weber (@BrendanNWeber) September 24, 2018 Toronto Raptors . @steve21smith speaks with Kawhi Leonard about his health, what he's looking forward to with the Raptors and more!#NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/W2gcdER7ff — NBA TV (@NBATV) September 24, 2018 San Antonio Spurs Boston Celtics (NBA Getty Images) https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/NBA_Global_CMS_image_storage/43/37/tatum-brown-irving-hayward-horford-media-day-092418-ftr-getty_1dq5045h7yoip148s2w8ocn972.jpg?t=207704750&w=500&quality=80 "There are times where I think about having #11 in the rafters hopefully one day." pic.twitter.com/2Fbp1Z36lS — Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) September 24, 2018 Houston Rockets (NBA Getty Images) https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/NBA_Global_CMS_image_storage/a6/3f/carmelo-anthony-092418-ftr-getty_35baxf2faza91vxe37c5yprzj.jpg?t=226333750&w=500&quality=80 Oklahoma City Thunder Los Angeles Clippers (NBA Getty Images) https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/NBA_Global_CMS_image_storage/d9/a5/shai-gilgeous-alexander-092418-ftr-getty_v330yq8r4w441jeimjd4bd25g.jpg?t=226333750&w=500&quality=80 New Orleans Pelicans Charlotte Hornets<doc-sep>There’s no shortage of golden moments to come out of NBA media day (remember the aftermath of “U bum”?). That’s especially true this year, with so much change in the offseason—various stars around the league are on new teams (and for some, like Jimmy Butler, that change may still be to come). Here are the most noteworthy nuggets from across the NBA. Frowning Area Man Insists He’s a Fun Guy In under a minute, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star learned as much about new Raptor Kawhi Leonard as the San Antonio community did in seven seasons. “Kawhi,” Smith said, “a lot of people up here don’t know much about you. How would you describe yourself, and what would you like people to know about you?” “I’m a fun guy,” Leonard said without a smile, emotion, or hint of irony. “Obviously I love the game of basketball.” After that, he explained he couldn’t just give “a whole spiel,” especially after volunteering up so much already. Not only did Smith get Leonard to open up on Day 1, he got every emotion Leonard has shown over the past eight years: placid, placid, placid, LAUGH (! ), placid. He laughs like he’s rusty at laughing—as if it’s a skill he learned long ago and hasn’t used in a while—which is both 1) believable and 2) all the more credit to Smith. Journalism at work. We off to a great start with Kawhi in Toronto pic.twitter.com/tzME93Kucq — Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) September 24, 2018 The best part of the back-and-forth came after the credits. Leonard stopped laughing, looked blank again, and said, “Ask something.” And that, Toronto, is exactly what you need to know about Kawhi Leonard. 2018-19 NBA Preview Check out all of The Ringer’s coverage leading up to opening tip Dwight Howard Is Questionable for Training Camp (and in General) Because of a sore back, Howard might miss the start of the Wizards’ training camp, which begins on Tuesday. Scott Brooks said the team was “not going to rush him.” Howard, who is a couple months away from turning 33, has had multiple issues with his back in the past. Sitting out isn’t an ideal start for him in Washington, though for someone with a long history of doing too much, it could be worse. Carmelo Anthony Is Starting, According to No One But Carmelo Anthony For the second straight media day, Anthony was asked about the possibility of coming off the bench. And, for the second straight media day, he dismissed it. “I haven’t had that conversation with anybody yet,” Melo said. “I’m very clear on what my role is.” (His reply in itself is a little contradictory; if he hasn’t had the conversation of whether or not he’ll be a starter, how clear could his role be?) FWIW, in August, Mike D’Antoni wasn’t sure if he’d put Melo in the starting lineup. According to D’Antoni, Anthony was open to either role when he signed. After his reluctance to be a sixth man with the Thunder last season, it was a necessary conversation… and apparently one Melo forgot having. On the plus side, it’s always nice to see Anthony play defense, even if it’s against a reporter. Related Carmelo Anthony Will Be the Ultimate Test of the Rockets System A Couple Timberwolves’ Thoughts on Jimmy Butler Since Butler requested a trade last Wednesday, the following has been reported: Coach and team president Tom Thibodeau doesn’t want to trade Butler; owner Glen Taylor wants a trade done soon; and the Clippers, Heat, Nets, Pistons, Rockets, Sixers, and Raptors have all been linked as potential trade partners. (Also, Stephen Jackson called Andrew Wiggins “lil one” in the trade fallout, and I highly suggest you go down that rabbit hole.) Butler skipped Wolves media day, but everyone else had to address the awkwardness head-on. Karl-Anthony Towns: “Our relationship was fine.” KAT was as “surprised as anyone” to hear that Butler wanted out. Wiggins on Butler being a distraction: “Maybe for some people.” (Note: doesn’t explicitly exclude self.) Thibodeau: “If something is worth it, we will pursue it. If it is not, we are prepared to go the other way.” Enes Kanter’s Nipples Are Hard When I think about [the] playoffs,” Kanter said, “my nipples get hard.” He then apologized, as one does after telling a crowded room of reporters about the state of his nipples. (For those wondering, Kanter has played in three postseasons over seven seasons in the league. Four hundred and eleven minutes. Twenty-seven games. Two hard nipples.) Kanter has always been the guy willing to do whatever it takes for the team to succeed. (Except protect the rim.) In the past, that’s meant taking on a hybrid role of enforcer/hype man. This season, it’s morphing into Steph Curry: "I'm ready to take some 3s, man," Enes Kanter said. — Scott Cacciola (@ScottCacciola) September 24, 2018 Because that’s exactly what New York needs from Kanter, a career 29.4 percent deep shooter. Cleveland Is Currently Tied for the Best Record in the East Lue was asked if #Cavs are still team to beat in East: "We haven't lost yet, have we?" — Tom Withers (@twithersAP) September 24, 2018 The Lakers Like We’ve Never Seen Them All the faces at Lakers media day were familiar but felt out of place together, like contrasting flavors at a fusion restaurant. We’ve known for months that LeBron James would be wearing yellow and purple along with Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, and JaVale McGee, but seeing the combination in person made it weird all over again: Lonzo Ball, one of the few returning faces, clearly understood how different everything would be this season. “You definitely want to make sure [LeBron] likes playing with you,” Ball said, “and make sure the chemistry’s good.” (Someone’s been getting advice from Mario Chalmers.) So far, we have learned that Rondo likes Kyle Kuzma’s attitude, Luke Walton feels like a kid again, and LeBron doesn’t believe you have to win a championship to be successful. (’Atta way to win over Lakers Nation!) “There’s only one champ,” LeBron said. “That doesn’t mean you’re not successful.”<doc-sep>The Philadelphia 76ers’ core is setting expectations for next season. Most would consider the Philadelphia 76ers favorites in the Eastern Conference to some extent. Boston and Toronto are both talented teams, but the Sixers will at least be in the conversation. Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz are the reason why. No team in the league has a more talented trio under the age of 25. Embiid has established himself as a top-10 NBA player, dominating both ends of the floor with unrivaled physicality and skill at 7-foot-2. Simmons will soon join him at that level, standing 6-foot-10 and flashing Magic Johnson-esque court vision. He needs to become a more well-rounded scorer, but the athletic gifts and basketball I.Q. are already in place. Fultz is coming off the weirdest rookie season in recent memory. The consensus No. 1 pick essentially forgot how to shoot, dealing with a mysterious shoulder injury that limited him to just 14 games. Now he’s entering his second season in hopes of redemption. At Sixers media day, all three took the podium to announce goals — both personal and team-wide — ahead of the 2018-19 season. Joel Embiid . @JoelEmbiid is now at the mic at 2018-19 Media Day. https://t.co/e14JOzNufe — Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 21, 2018 Embiid cycled through several different storylines, detailing his excitement entering his first healthy offseason, as well as his disappointment after four brutal losses in the conference semifinals. The big fella also talked about improving his game, noting that turnovers were a primary focus this summer. “It’s all about making the right decisions. I felt like, at times, last season I made a lot of bad decisions. [It’s about] simplifying the game, letting the game come to me … I think that’s going to be the biggest key.” As for what would make the season successful, Embiid has one goal in mind: an appearance in the NBA Finals. Want your voice heard? Join the The Sixer Sense team! Write for us! Ben Simmons . @BenSimmons25 is now at the mic at 2018-19 Media Day. https://t.co/NFwReW8Onw — Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 21, 2018 Simmons made his goals simple, noting that the team should be looking to get past the second round and build on their successful 2017-18 campaign. He also went in-depth on improving his jump shot and rounding out his skill set, which will be important as he looks to reach his ceiling. “It’s going to take a lot of time, you know. I’m not going to come in hitting threes this season, that’s not what I’m going to do … there are a lot of little things I’ve got to correct [with the shot], which have just been created by bad habits, which takes time to get away from. I’ve never been on a team where I have to take shots, you know, it’s always been really easy for me to get to the rim, and for me to want to be great, I have to be better at the little things. It’s obviously not going to be an overnight thing … but over time, as things progress, I’ll get better.” Simply put, Simmons understands the process behind adding a jump shot. He has already made slight mechanical adjustments, but expecting him to shoot threes in bulk next season is ill-advised. It sounds like he’s more willing to attempt mid-range shots, though. Markelle Fultz . @MarkelleF is now at the mic at 2018-19 Media Day. https://t.co/iY3DhIZZS9 — Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 21, 2018 Fultz might have had the most intriguing interview of the day. He answered several questions about his shot and confidence heading into next season, to which he had positive responses. “This summer was really just me working to get my mechanics back, my confidence back, my swagger back, and it was a very productive summer … [Drew Hanlen and I] put up a lot of shots, a lot of hours in the gym and I’m happy with where I’m at right now heading into training camp.” He also talked about the adversity he faced last season and his goals heading into year two. He primarily focused on happiness, confidence and contributing to the team, which are proper goals for someone who went through what Fultz endured at 19 years old. You can keep up with more media day content on the Sixers’ Twitter page.<doc-sep>
Goals, lessons learned, new faces, big dreams, lofty expectations. Sixers’ Media Day is, in some ways, the beginning — a fresh start. Players talk about putting last season behind them (while acknowledging what they’ve learned) and looking forward to what’s to come. There was an obvious confidence exuded from the team — they know what they’re capable of — yet an awareness that nothing in this league is a given (well, unless you’re the Golden State Warriors, I assume). I was able to attend Sixers’ Media Day on behalf of Liberty Ballers, and the following content contains some of the most notable talking points of the event. Ben Simmons While Sixers’ fans dream of Benny Threesamano, those grounded in reality don’t expect Ben to come out firing three pointers to start this season. Still, some of the rational among us held out hope that Simmons would at the very least be comfortable attempting shots from distance here and there. But Ben took a needle to that balloon of a dream: "I'm not going to come in and hit threes this season, that's not what I'm going to do," Simmons says while discussing his goals and things to improve this season — Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) September 21, 2018 I appreciate the honesty, to be honest. Players who never shoot threes don’t just acquire a 3PT repertoire over one summer. And it’s possible (I’d say likely) that Ben never develops a 3PT repertoire — that is, the combination of the ability to catch-and-shoot as well as pull-up off the dribble from 3PT land at a 36%+ clip. That’s okay, at least for now. Not perfect, but nothing in this Sixers’ life is perfect. With the right tools around Simmons, it’s not long range or bust. However, Simmons does need to be able to threaten from the mid-range, and to do so, he needs to work on his jumper. It also wouldn’t hurt to improve his scoring around the hoop: while Simmons ranked 12th in EFG% amongst players with at least 900 FGA in 2017-2018, it was obvious to anyone watching that he didn’t have the most aesthetically pleasing shooting touch. According to Ben, he worked on multiple ways to score this summer: Ben Simmons on his offseason workouts: "Everyday was different. Could be footwork one day. Touch around the rim another day... Getting a lot of shots up and reps, and just trying to correct some things" — Kevin F. Love (@KevinFLove) September 21, 2018 So Simmons isn’t comfortable shooting threes, and he doesn’t care if you know. But he is working on scoring, and that’s the most obvious step to realistic improvement as well as eventually, possibly, at the very least forcing the opposition to guard him at the perimeter. Simmons was asked about the team’s chemistry, and he responded by noting the confidence and camaraderie that the Sixers’ locker room has developed: Ben on energy in the builiding "Guys are really figuring it out, and know that we belong in the playoffs. Everybody is happy to see each other. We're like brothers" — Kevin F. Love (@KevinFLove) September 21, 2018 Jonah Bolden Figuring out the Sixers’ front court rotation is a little bit tricky at the moment. The Sixers have the following centers on retainer: Joel Embiid, Amir Johnson and Mike Muscala. Dario Saric figures to get the most front court minutes outside of the center position, and the Sixers also have Wilson Chandler and Robert Covington, who can both play some minutes at the four when Brett Brown goes small. So how does a rookie like Jonah Bolden get tic? Bolden noted his versatility: When asked about his role on the team, Bolden notes that he can play multiple positions, be a stretch 4 or 5. — Kevin F. Love (@KevinFLove) September 21, 2018 I wouldn’t expect Brett Brown to pigeonhole his players into one position, and Bolden sounds like he’s ready to move around a bit. I don’t think Bolden has the lateral quickness to play the three, but if he can stretch the floor offensively, the four is a viable option. Floating between both big positions could help find the rookie a handful of minutes each night, and it sounds like Jonah is ready for the challenge. Joel Embiid Joel is close to Markelle and the two trained this summer with Drew Hanlen.