The offseason is here and so is Summer League action. The Philadelphia 76ers, known in the summer as the Summer Sixers will be in action tonight in Salt Lake City to kick off summer league action. The 76ers will take on the Memphis Grizzlies in their first of three games in Salt Lake City Utah before heading to Las Vegas. A lot has changed for the 76ers since last summer, including the hiring of Nick Nurse as the head coach. What philosophies will change? Who will stand out?
Game Info for Sixers vs. Grizzlies
When: Monday, July 3rd, 2023
Tipoff: 7:00PM EST
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah | Delta Center
How to watch: NBA TV
There are some intriguing young players on the Sixers’ summer roster, and it will be interesting to see who stands out. Take a look at three storylines for tonight’s SLC summer league opener:
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Coaching Style
It has been reported and confirmed that new head coach Nick Nurse will be coaching the team during their stint in Salt Lake City. Normally head coaches do not coach in summer leagues, especially seasoned coaches, but Nurse wants to instill his culture early in his tenure.
In recent years, you have seen some new coaches coach in the summer league, but they have mostly been first time head coaches. This will be a first look at some of Nurse‘s philosophies on the offensive and defensive end. How much will he show? What type of rotations will he put together? It could all point to how the 76ers will play in the regular season and most will be tuned in to find out.
Springboarding Into Year Three
Jaden Springer headlines this year’s summer league roster, and he will undoubtedly have the green light. Springer has showed some steady improvement through the last two seasons and was a big reason why the Delaware Bluecoats won the G-League championship.
From comments from former head coach Doc Rivers and his extended playing time at the end of the year, Springer is ready to contribute on the defensive end in the NBA. We will see how Springer has improved on offense and from long range. He showed some flashes of potential at Tennessee and in the G-League. With the roster in flux due to a potential James Harden trade, Springer could either be showing he deserves a shot in the rotation, or he could be showing off skills for another team.
Who else will Standout for the Sixers?
Joining Jaden Springer on the summer roster are former second round pick Filip Petrusev, who was drafted in 2021 with Springer. He was stashed overseas, where he played in the Adriatic League and the Euroleague to improve his game. Now he is ready to come over to try to win a spot on the Sixers roster to help contribute behind MVP Joel Embiid. Will he be able to stand out from the other big men on the roster?
The Sixers will also be looking to see what Terquavion Smith and Ricky Council IV will be able to give them as two of their undrafted rookies. Both Council IV and Smith signed two-way deals with the 76ers and are looking to show they deserved to be picked in the 2023 NBA draft.
Both players had some first round grades, but unfortunately didn’t get drafted. A team like the 76ers, need athleticism and will be looking to see what these two athletes can bring to the table. Smith’s shooting stood out at NC State and it will be good to see if his shooting can translate to the NBA.
AP Photo/Chris Szagola
