PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers just finished up a miserable 24-58 season as everything that could go wrong for the franchise did. The Sixers were unable to get anything going in the right direction as they dealt with so many injuries throughout the season.
Despite the constant losing on the court and all of the talent sitting on the sidelines, the Sixers still came to work every single day and put in the best effort they possibly could. That is a testament to coach Nick Nurse and his staff getting the most out of everybody that showed up for work that night.
Kelly Oubre Jr., one of those Sixers who dealt with injuries all year long, gave his thoughts on Nurse and the staff being able to connect with the players the way they did.
“That’s a tough job,” Oubre said when the season ended. “Like I couldn’t do it. So I tip my hats to those who do that and are faced with that responsibility, but I think they handled it the best way they possibly could. I’m not really like into the media, into the blogs and stuff like that, so I don’t really see what’s said or, (coach Nurse) his media availability, things like that, but at the end of the day, man, just him being a presence.”
Nurse and his staff had to turn the focus from contending to development. The goal went from winning a title to making sure everybody got in the gym and was ready for work on a regular basis. That’s hard to do, but the development of those younger players paid dividends. The Sixers were able to see youngsters like Justin Edwards, Adem Bona, and Quentin Grimes all take steps forward as players.
Even Oubre was able to continue finding his role and his niche on this team. The Sixers have needed him to remain a steady contributor and he did so at a high rate for this team when he was able to be the best version of himself out on the floor.
“All the coaches always showing us love, helping us out through the tough times, and staying in that consistent rock for us,” Oubre finished. “I think that that was a great trait that they have, they all have. Coach has his staff, pretty much on a string, and they compliment us, but it’s been a very tough year, obviously. So to have to really dig deep and keep guys mental straight, keep guys aware of what’s going on, I think they did a really good job.”
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