Nets in No Hurry on Porter Extension; Sixers Mapping Out Simons’ Role; Wizards Stage Full-Roster Mini-Camp
nets-porter-jr-sixers-simons-wizards-minicamp
Nets
Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks said the franchise has “time” before deciding on a new deal for Michael Porter Jr., stressing that the forward remains highly valued but that extension talks are not urgent. “We value him a lot. He had a terrific year,” Marks told reporters. The 28-year-old averaged a career-best 24.2 points and 7.1 rebounds in his first season with the Nets. While some league observers question how Porter fits Brooklyn’s youth-oriented timeline, Marks reiterated that he hopes the veteran “is part of this team” moving forward.
76ers
Head coach Nick Nurse is already plotting ways to use newly acquired guard Anfernee Simons. “Obviously, he can really score,” Nurse said, adding that he envisions Simons joining rookie Labaron Philon to energize the second unit. Nurse confirmed Tyrese Maxey will continue to function as both scorer and facilitator beside Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid. “I want him to continue to grow as a leader,” the coach noted, emphasizing defensive improvement as well. Philadelphia, which landed Brown in a blockbuster earlier this offseason, remains linked to free agent LeBron James as the four-time MVP weighs his options.
Wizards
Washington brought its entire veteran roster to Las Vegas, holding a three-day mini-camp that featured all 11 players on standard NBA contracts, including Anthony Davis and Trae Young, according to The Athletic. Second-year forward Kyshawn George called the gathering another step in establishing a new team culture. “We’ve been trying to build a culture for the past two years. I think it’s showing right now,” he said. George added that the presence of teammates such as Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly helped motivate veterans to attend, a dynamic Washington hopes will lay the groundwork for a winning environment.
Source: Hoops Wire
