76ers envision LeBron James' role being 'offense creator' - ESPN

CAMDEN, N.J. — It took until Day 3 of training camp for Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse to introduce offensive schemes to his new group.

And though the offense flowed with expected ease Thursday during 5-on-0 drills, role definition will be as important as understanding the playbook when the real games start.

Nurse detailed the offensive responsibilities he envisions LeBron James occupying. The team will certainly put the ball in the 24-year veteran's capable hands — as, team sources told ESPN, Philadelphia discussed playing James at point forward this offseason — but he won't be the only one with the ball.

«We got several guys that what I would call 'grab-and-go,'» Nurse said. «If they get rebounds and their first advantage is to start pushing it up the floor and it stays that way, then they're going to do it.»

Beyond James, the group Nurse will rely on to push the team in transition includes fellow starters Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe.

Though Nurse emphasized defense during the first two days of camp, part of the presentation was imploring his players to get stops to spark fast-break opportunities when scoring will come instinctively.

When the Sixers set up in the half court, however, Nurse is glad to have James, who ranks No. 1 in all-time points and No. 4 in all-time assists on this team.

«I just think LeBron, I consider him a great offense creator,» Nurse said. «I don't necessarily mean scorer, I just think creator and a table setter and all that kind of stuff.… If it isn't bringing it up and starting [the possession], it's probably going to be first pass anyway to [him on] the wing and then we get into our actions, and he's kind of seeing what's there, and he's creating offense for others.»

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