Following the Sixers 51-point loss to San Antonio on Monday, the team has some promise moving forward, believe it or not. In addition to the the return of Tony Wroten, Kendall Marshall will make his debut on Friday on a 16-minute limit. He had been recovering from an ACL suffered in February. The Sixers signed the 24-year-old point guard to a four-year contract this offseason. He averaged 8.0 points, 8.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds in 29 minutes per game in his best season, 2013-14, with the Lakers.
Tony wroten will play tomorrow…. 16 minute restriction. Won't play Friday. Kendall Marshall won't play tomorrow. Will play Friday -16 min
— Amy Fadool Kane (@amyfadoolCSN) December 9, 2015
Most notably at Sixers practice today was Joel Embiid. Seeing him on the floor with his walking boot has become a regular thing, but today the 2014 first rounder was at practice with out any restraints on his foot, getting in some reps with teammate Hollis Thompson.
Joel Embiid and Hollis Thompson post-practice workout. #Sixers pic.twitter.com/ALKOWXUaz0
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) December 9, 2015
Meanwhile, Carl Landry, acquired from the Kings with Nik Stauskas, is on the recovery trail and was a full participant at practice on Wednesday. He's set to debut in January. When he returns, Landry could find himself in a leadership role as a veteran among a team filled with young NBA players.
Though Brown has leaned on Landry to be the team leader, it’s a role that comes naturally for the team’s lone vet.
“It’s just my experience. I’m not trying to take a leadership role. I’m just trying to be a player,” Landry said. “I’m just trying to bring the knowledge that I’ve experienced over the last few years, and try to make an imprint on this team. I really don’t believe in titles or anything like that. I just believe in going out there and be the best player I can be, as well as teammate.” [CSNPhilly.com]
Lastly, despite the atrocious state of the Sixers and the sudden addition of Jerry Colangelo, the team is in deep discussions with Brett Brown on a contract extension, sources tell Yahoo! Sports. Brown is 38-147 in his time with the Sixers.
Despite the losing, Brown has made a strong impression inside and outside the franchise for how determined and resourceful his under-manned teams have remained, and how poised he’s been in the face of one of the most taxing coaching assignments in NBA history.
The Sixers will look to move on from their fourth largest loss in franchise history on Thursday night in Brooklyn against former Sixer Thaddeus Young and the Nets.
