LeBron James offense creator: 3 surprising plans revealed
The 76ers want a LeBron James offense creator more than a volume scorer, coach Nick Nurse said Thursday, according to ESPN.
Nurse introduced the offense on Day 3 of training camp in Camden, New Jersey, after spending the first two days on defense. Philadelphia opens the preseason at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at home against the New York Knicks.
LeBron James offense creator: what Nurse said
Nurse said James, who signed with Philadelphia this offseason, will be more of a playmaker than a primary scorer. “I consider him a great offense creator,” Nurse said. He added that he means a creator and table-setter, not only a scorer.
ESPN reported the team discussed playing James at point forward this offseason. Nurse also described a scenario in which James gets the first pass on the wing, reads the floor and sets up teammates.
According to PhillyVoice, Nurse said it “shouldn’t matter” which player is nominally the point guard because the roster has several “grab-and-go” players and secondary playmakers.
Pushing the pace in transition
Nurse said the 76ers have several players who can start the break themselves after a rebound. Beyond James, ESPN reported that group includes Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe.
The plan fits a roster with several stars who need touches. The coaching staff spent the opening days of camp on defense, with the idea that stops can create more chances to run.
Brown says roles are still developing
Brown, who arrived in an offseason trade with Boston, said the team is still learning how to fit together. He described the task as knowing “when to go, when not to go,” and when Joel Embiid is working in the post or when he can pressure the rim, as quoted by Sports Illustrated.
“Patience is a virtue, and you’ve just got to trust the process,” Brown said, per PhillyVoice.
How Nurse is preparing
Nurse is building the LeBron James offense creator plan by studying film, according to a podcast interview summarized by NBC Sports Philadelphia. He said he has looked at how Brown was used in Boston and at the play packages James ran in Cleveland. He also called the bench improved, citing additions such as Dean Wade and Ariel Hukporti.
The LeBron James offense creator label has a statistical backdrop. James averaged 7.2 assists per game last season and ranks fourth in NBA history with 12,016 career assists, the outlet reported.
What’s next for the 76ers
The Oct. 5 game against the defending champion Knicks is the first chance to see the LeBron James offense creator plan against another team. Philadelphia then plays at Brooklyn on Oct. 8 and at Boston on Oct. 10, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The regular season opens Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden against New York.
Reporting from ESPN, PhillyVoice and NBC Sports Philadelphia.