The Philadelphia 76ers returned home on Saturday with few people in a tough game against the Denver Nuggets. They were losing four key bank holders and players due to health and safety protocols, as well as several injuries, and this forced coach Doc Rivers to trust many newbies.
The team started Tyrese Maxey, Isaiah Joe and Dakota Mathias against the Nuggets on Sunday and they used Paul Reed as one of the two off-bench reserves as well. It was a predictable loss, but it was important for newbies to take the time to continue to grow and develop.
Along with the necessary cutting time, the Sixers also received an incentive from Danny Green and Dwight Howard, who were the only veterans available to play in this one. They almost acted as secondary coaches out there.
“Obviously, with Dwight, Danny is just veteran and smart, knowing how to play,” said Rivers. “They were really helpful tonight, both of them, every time they supported. They trained hard tonight trying to make the guys just stay there, take it. It was a good thing for our team. Even though I know I still hate to lose, it was good for the team. “
Considering that the two came together for four NBA championships and Howard created a career in the Hall of Fame, their presence and wisdom provide a lot for young people.
“We had two great veterans at Danny Green and Dwight Howard who trained us all the way,” said Joe, who scored 13 points in just under 45 minutes played. “They definitely had a lot of points to teach during the game. I think this is the best way to learn. “
Combine that with getting some real playing time and the novice can feel confident about his performance in the future.
“It feels good,” added Joe. “Especially to get great minutes like this, me and many other players. We would definitely love to win and that is why we are fighting and the ultimate goal, but only to get there and start shaking in the first game. Just playing basketball is the best feeling. “
Even if it happened in a circumstance that nobody wanted to see, it was still good for Joe to save time and Reed too. Newbies will not grow and develop if they are just sitting on the bench. They have to go out there and play and make mistakes to learn and grow and have veterans like Green and Howard on their ears to help them along the way.
“I think as a player, playing as many minutes as possible is always a good feeling,” added the rookie. “So, definitely, today was to pick up the pace of the game, learn as much as possible. I think many players are eager to play as many minutes as they can, especially in times like today, when we are lost players and the team depends on you to hold your side. Whether you play for many minutes or fewer minutes, today is definitely a good experience. “
Rivers was happy with what Joe brought to the track on Saturday, despite shooting just 3 in 11 from the depths. It was important for him to see the newcomers go there and feel validated as NBA basketball players.
“Even if they believe that, I think they sometimes need verification that they are NBA players,” explained Rivers. “Some of these guys, and you can see how things were going, Isaiah Joe. I think he will be an excellent player and you can see him settling in, putting his legs up. “
The Sixers will now head to Atlanta to face the Hawks, where they hope to stay a little healthier.