TITLE: Embiid’s Recovery Advances; Coward Gets First Minutes; Knicks Bring In Shooting Coach
SLUG: embiid-progress-coward-debut-knicks-shooting-coach
CONTENT:
Sixers
Center Joel Embiid has increased his on-court workload as Philadelphia moves closer to opening night. The 2023 MVP, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the spring, recently took part in portions of 5-on-5 practice, according to PHLY Sports. Team officials are evaluating him daily, and several medical benchmarks remain before he is cleared for game action.
Limited to 19 appearances last season, Embiid averaged 23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds—numbers well below his career norms. Forward Paul George, who had a knee procedure after Embiid’s operation, is still restricted to individual drills but is expected to join full practices in the near future.
Grizzlies
Rookie wing Cedric Coward endured a difficult professional debut in Monday’s loss to Detroit. The Washington State product missed all seven field-goal attempts, committed three fouls and finished minus-22 in 18 minutes. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo described the outing as “a rough night,” yet both player and staff were encouraged simply by his return to action after rehabbing a shoulder injury that kept him out most of last season and the Summer League.
“Once you get in the pool, you’re straight,” Coward told reporters, adding that regaining game rhythm is his primary focus.
Knicks
New York has hired veteran assistant Peter Patton as its new shooting coach, The Athletic reported. Patton previously worked with Minnesota, Dallas and Chicago, where his departure earlier this year disappointed several Bulls players who credited him with shooting improvements.
He becomes part of a retooled staff under first-year head coach Mike Brown. Holdovers from Tom Thibodeau’s group, including Rick Brunson, remain, while newcomers such as associate head coach Chris Jent and defensive coordinator Brendan O’Connor have also joined the bench.
Source: Hoops Wire
