NBA Notes: Sixers, Joel Embiid, Grizzlies, Cedric Coward, Knicks

76ers

Joel Embiid is trending in the right direction with the 76ers’ regular season fast approaching.

The former MVP has steadily increased his workload following arthroscopic knee surgery in the spring, Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports reports. He has been ramping up in practice and recently participated in some 5-on-5 drills.

The Sixers are still taking things day by day. Embiid needs to clear a few more checkpoints before he’s cleared for game action.

Last year was a rough one for the All-Star center. He appeared in only 19 games, averaging 23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, well below his usual production.

Paul George, who had a knee procedure later than Embiid, is a bit behind in his recovery. He’s still limited to individual work but is expected to join team activities soon.

Grizzlies

It was a tough first night for rookie Cedric Coward. The Washington State product made his professional debut in Monday’s loss to Detroit and went 0-for-7 from the field, committed three fouls, and posted a minus-22 in 18 minutes.

Head coach Tuomas Iisalo called it a “rough night,” but Coward and the team were simply pleased to see him back on the court. He missed most of last season and was held out of Summer League while rehabbing a shoulder injury.

“Now that I’ve touched an NBA court, you don’t really have to get your feet wet anymore,” Coward told reporters. “It’s like your first time going swimming. Once you get in the pool, you’re straight.

“Ultimately, it’s just about getting the rhythm of the game. The shots I did take were shots I liked. That’s why I’m not worried.”

Knicks

New York is making more changes to its coaching staff. The Knicks have hired Peter Patton as a shooting coach, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Patton previously worked with Minnesota, Dallas, and Chicago. His exit from the Bulls earlier this year reportedly frustrated several players, including Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis, who credited him with helping improve their shooting.

Patton joins a revamped staff under new head coach Mike Brown. The Knicks kept some of Tom Thibodeau’s assistants, including Rick Brunson, but added several new voices, highlighted by associate head coach Chris Jent and “defensive coordinator” Brendan O’Connor.