Nick Nurse Names 7 Sixers Standouts From Training Camp

Who are Nick Nurse's standouts at Philadelphia 76ers camp in 2024?

Apr 12, 2024; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse speaks at the podium during the presentation of a statue honoring Allen Iverson (not pictured) in a ceremony at Penn Medicine Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia 76ers’ run in the Bahamas has come to a conclusion. After a fifth and final session on Saturday, the Sixers wrapped up their time and traveled back to Philadelphia ahead of the team’s preseason opener, which takes place on Monday against the New Zealand Breakers.

After a productive week, the Sixers are exiting camp the same way they entered it by feeling upbeat and positive.

Earlier this week, star center Joel Embiid noted the vibes of the team felt great, considering the organization is drama-free this time around compared to last season.

Without a high-profile holdout hanging over their heads, the Sixers were able to work without any distractions. The head coach, Nick Nurse, came away impressed by the team’s overall performance, but he mentioned many standouts when asked on Saturday. (h/t Sam DiGiovanni of ClutchPoints)

Nick Nurse’s Training Camp Standouts

“A lot of new guys. I just think super positive on a lot of them,” the head coach told reporters.

1. Andre Drummond

Feb 4, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) dunks the ball past Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“Drummond was impressive. Just, again, energy and work rate-wise.”

The Sixers center is back for a second stint in Philly. While Drummond played under Doc Rivers his first time around, he anticipates a similar role: backup Joel Embiid on a nightly basis and take on a role as the starter when the seven-time All-Star is out.

2. Caleb Martin

“Caleb's explosive and a really good teammate.”

Coming from the (in)famous Miami Heat culture, Martin’s work ethic wasn’t expected to come into question this offseason. He learned to play team basketball under Erik Spoelstra, and it appears he brought the positivity over to the Sixers.

3. Paul George

“Paul George looked good.”

It’s not shocking to hear the guy with nine All-Star appearances still looks good.

4. Kelly Oubre

Apr 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) drives to the basket against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) and guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) during the second quarter of game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“I give Kelly—almost feels like a new guy—he's such a different place in his career right now, it feels like that. He was very good.”

Oubre returns to the Sixers after spending one year with them on a veteran’s minimum contract. The veteran had a chance to prove his doubters wrong, build up his confidence, and feel wanted by an organization he found comfort in. As a result, Oubre is standing out.

5. Jared McCain

“McCain was excellent.”

Joel Embiid went as far as considering McCain the top player in training camp through the first few sessions. Some need a standout camp more than others. The 2024 first-rounder certainly falls under that category.

6. Eric Gordon

“Eric Gordon was as advertised. I think he really made a lot of shots. He knows how to play.”

Being in the league since 2008, Nurse and the Sixers already knew what Gordon brought to the table. For the 35-year-old, it’s not a matter of whether he knows how to play or not. They are simply focused on where he’s at from a physical standpoint.

7. Kyle Lowry

Apr 28, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks during the first half of game four of the first round in the 2024 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

“Kyle was very good.”

Another returning player gets a mention, and to no surprise, it’s one of Nick Nurse’s former players from the Raptors. Similar to Gordon, the entire league knows what Lowry brings to the table as long as he’s healthy and in shape. Lowry might have a slightly reduced role in 2024-2025, but the Sixers certainly plan to utilize him.

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