LeBron hopeful cameo at center won't be fixture for short-handed 76ers — SkimNews
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- LeBron James started at center for the 15th time in his 24-year career against Detroit, his first such start in five seasons, and posted 18 points, five assists and two rebounds before Philadelphia's 106-93 loss, its first defeat of the season.
- Joel Embiid was out because of right-foot plantar fasciitis management, and James said he did not believe Philadelphia needed or wanted him to have a sustainable starting role at center with Embiid on the roster.
- Nick Nurse said only about three Sixers players remained who could play center, with Embiid, Jabari Walker (knee), Dominick Barlow (back) and Tacko Fall (quad) sidelined; Nurse had used James in center spurts during small-ball lineups.
- Adem Bona was the only true center available Sunday, playing a season-high 25 minutes with 13 rebounds, five on offense, and six points; James called his energy and effort a spark for the team.
- VJ Edgecombe was also out with an abdominal contusion, with the 76ers identifying him as their best rebounding guard.
- 76ers were outrebounded in every game this season, including deficits of 22 against Milwaukee on Saturday and 17 against Detroit on Sunday; their frontcourt injuries played a part in the rebounding struggles.
- Tyrese Maxey said some of Philadelphia's taller players returning would be great, identifying roster availability as the remedy for the team's frontcourt shortage.
Why it matters: James produced 18 points and five assists at center, but Philadelphia still lost its first game and was outrebounded by 17. With Embiid plus three other big men sidelined, the 76ers' frontcourt shortage directly undercut rebounding; James himself said a sustainable starting-center role was unwanted.
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