Empty stands may cause energy shortage for Sixers
As they rolled to a 31-4 record in the Wells Fargo Center last season, the Sixers could come up with only one explanation. Those fans: They were loud. This season, it will be different, at least early, possibly late. And if there are dots to connect, as a former coach often used to say, it would appear that the hometown silence could be a problem. Solutions?
“There’s no fans on the court,”
Dwight Howard said Thursday. “So it’s just up to us to bring our own energy.”
Howard would know how that works, for just over a month ago, he was celebrating an NBA championship with the Lakers in a virtually empty arena in Orlando.
“When you provide your own energy, it’s contagious, on the floor and off the court,” he said. “When everybody has that same energy, that same vibe, great things tend to happen.”
Playoffs included, the Sixers were 12-30 away from South Philly last season, apparently missing that message.
“When you are a young player and you are not playing, spread that spirit, spread that energy,” Howard said. “Do what you would want people to do for you. Be the fan of the person on the court.”
It’s reasonable advice, even if it is hard to see imagine a crowd of 15 having same impact as one of 20,015.
“I do miss the fans,” Howard said. “I will say that. Some fans only get one chance to see you play in person. I always thought about their last impression of me,
and wanted it to be one of a person who goes out and gives it their all every single night.
“So I do appreciate the fans, even the boos, even the trash talking. I think that drives me to keep moving forward.”
*** Continuing to stockpile shooters, the Sixers formalized the signing of Dakota Mathias to a two-way contract.
Mathias went undrafted in 2018 despite having set a Purdue record of 250 career three-pointers. His 46.6 percent accuracy from 3-point range was sixth best in the nation.
After spending a season in Spain, Mathias joined the G-League Texas Legends of the Dallas organization last year. He averaged 18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists, connecting on 39.5 percent of his 3-point shots.
As a two-way player, Mathias will also play for the Delaware Blue Coats. He is prohibited from being active for more than 50 NBA games.
***
The Sixers have signed their three 2020 Draft choices, Tyrese Maxey, Paul Reed and Isaiah Joe.
Maxey and Joe will be on standard NBA contracts. Reed’s is a two-way deal.
Maxey, the 21st overall pick, is expected to compete for meaningful minutes. Joe is a classic shooter for a team with just that need. Reed has the skillset to replace some of the minutes at both the four and five spots lost when Al Horford was traded to Oklahoma City for Danny Green.
***
With Howard having joined his sixth different team in as many seasons, it’s understandable that he needs time to learn the names of his teammates.
Already, though, old what’s-his-name has caught his eye.
“Sheck?” Howard said. “I think that’s how you say his name.”
He meant Shake Milton, technically a holdover starter and a full-service guard with shooting ability who has Doc Rivers intrigued.
“Yeah, Shake,” Howard said, his memory jogged. “I like him. I like his attitude and his demeanor on the court. He works extremely hard. So I am looking forward to playing with him.”
Not only is Howard entering his 17th NBA season, but his 16th just ended in October.
“I am still trying to learn everyone’s name,” he confessed. “But everyone has been great so far. I’m looking forward to playing with everyone.”
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NOTES » Justin Anderson formally rejoined the Sixers Thursday. The forward spent much of last season in the minors before joining the Nets for the bubble games. … Derrick Walton Jr. is joining the Sixers for training camp. In 42 NBA games since 2016, he has been a 41.5-percent 3-point shooter. The 6-0 University of Michigan product has GLeague and international experience. … Ryan Broekhoff has been resigned. A noted shooter, the former Dallas Maverick cited health concerns and did not play for the Sixers after first signing last June. … Lamine Diane, an undrafted 6-7 forward from Cal-Northridge, signed an Exhibit 10 deal, guaranteeing a training camp look and, should he fail to make the team, a financial incentive to play in the G-League. The Senegal native has a seven-foot wingspan.