PHILADELPHIA — The Sixers lost their first game of this year’s Summer League, falling to Boston 100-80. While it would have been nice for Philly to remain among the undefeated teams out in Las Vegas, the team is taking away positives from the experience.
“There are certain things that they want us to work on, and showcase,” Isaiah Joe told FortyEightMinutes and other media via zoom after the loss to Boston. “I think it’s also a great time to be leaders, especially for the young guys coming in. That’s one thing that we’ve been trying to take upon ourselves. It’s a great opportunity to get better, and get prepared for the season.”
Joe appeared in 41 games for the Sixers last year, seeing 9.3 minutes per game. Many of the players on Philadelphia’s Summer League squad have little-to-no NBA run and while the 22-year-old likely won’t be a vocal leader for the Sixers this upcoming season, the experience is something he can take with him and build on down the road.
Joe’s presence will be more crucial during the team’s final games without Tyrese Maxey, as the Sixers allowed the point guard to leave Summer League to host a youth camp in Texas. It seemed likely that Maxey would have been a strong contender for Summer League MVP if he didn’t depart for his camp. While it’s not the most important distinction, it’s worth noting that Maxey led the league in scoring (26.0 points per game) at the time of his departure, leading the Sixers to two wins in his first two SL games.
The Sixers will take on the Wolves without Maxey on Sunday in the second half of their back-to-back. Minnesota has gone 3-0, behind the young duo of Jaylen Nowell and Jaden McDaniels. Minnesota sits only behind the Celtics (4-0) in the Summer League and needs a win to give themselves a chance at playing in the championship out in Las Vegas.
Sixers vs. Timberwolves Odds
- Spread: Timberwolves -5 (-110)
- Total: 171.5 (-110)
- Sixers Moneyline: +175
