'I Was Prepared for That Crowd Reaction' – 76ers Coach Reacts to Joel Embiid’s Dominant Scrimmage Performance

But it didn’t surprise head coach Nick Nurse. When he was interviewed after the team’s practice session, he told the media that he expected the media to be amazed by Joel Embiid.

“I was kind of prepared for that [crowd reaction] today,” the head coach said. “I knew this would be the first time you guys [the media] or the public would have seen him for a long time.

“And then he went out there and did his thing. He shot the ball well. He scored well. He orchestrated the offense well. I thought he ran pretty good, as well, both directions.”

Embiid is expected to be part of the team’s starting lineup on Oct. 22, against the Boston Celtics.

Joel Embiid could play as the power forward this season

The 76ers want to prolong Joel Embiid’s career, despite the injuries. One way to preserve it is with load management. However, that hasn’t helped as much, and he’s been criticized for it.

According to a report from Adam Aaronson of “Philly Voice,” there’s a chance that Embiid could play the power forward position. Moving him down a spot and putting upcoming sophomore big man Adem Bona at center seems logical.

“Nick Nurse seemed optimistic, talking about the idea of Joel Embiid and Adem Bona playing together,” Aaronson wrote. “ He said that in those lineups, Embiid is the four and Bona is the five. Highlighted high-low passing, rebounding and rim protection as areas where that pairing can thrive.”

It adds another body inside the paint, helping Embiid on both ends. Given that frontcourt players are prone to more physical plays, having two big men could help the big man’s job.