Sixers search for consistency in paint, Knicks showcase young depth, Morris signs with Olympiacos
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CONTENT:
PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers are looking for answers in the middle after Joel Embiid endured one of the worst shooting performances of his career in Sunday’s loss to the Lakers. The reigning MVP went 4-for-21 from the field, and Philadelphia was still minus-15 in the 18 minutes backup Andre Drummond logged despite his 11-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Both Embiid and Drummond struggled defensively, allowing Lakers centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes to combine for a perfect 8-for-8 night, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Knicks notes
Reserve guard Tyler Kolek revealed he spent last season’s NBA Cup prize money on a new car for his mother and joked that the next bonus will go toward a vehicle for his father. Although he did not play in last year’s quarterfinal, Kolek has carved out a rotation role under head coach Mike Brown and registered a plus-13 in fewer than eight minutes during Tuesday’s win over Toronto.
New York’s frontcourt also continues to evaluate rookie center Ariel Hukporti. Brown called the 7-footer “one of the fastest bigs I’ve ever been around,” per the New York Daily News. Hukporti logged a season-high 23 minutes Sunday against Orlando, saw just over a minute of action Tuesday, and was reassigned to the G League on Wednesday.
International movement
Veteran guard Monte Morris is officially heading overseas, signing a one-year contract with Olympiacos. The 30-year-old became a free agent last month after Indiana waived him; he appeared in six games for the Pacers while returning from a calf injury. Morris has previously spent time with the Nuggets, Pistons, Timberwolves, and Suns, and will join an Olympiacos roster that features former NBA players Frank Ntilikina, Saben Lee, and Evan Fournier.
Source: Hoops Wire
