In a strategic move, the Philadelphia 76ers started their training camp in the mountains of Fort Collins, Colorado. This unexpected decision by the Sixers was made in the hope of saving the team from the intense media attention they face on the East Coast.
The Sixers’ new head coach, Nick Nurse is known for his non-traditional techniques, this time to escape the spotlight he took his team 2,000 miles away from home. With this move, Nurse aimed to create a more focused environment for his players.
Interestingly, the Sixers’ choice of Colorado, the home state of the current NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, wasn’t just a coincidence. Nurse appears to be developing a physical and psychological game plan for his team, while also using the reigning champs as a motivational tool.
However, the 76ers’ choice didn’t come without its challenges. According to Sam Amick of the Athletic, the Sixers had to get permission from the Nuggets to hold their training camp there because of the close proximity of Fort Collins to Denver.
“As for the mental side of it all,” Amick wrote. “It’s no coincidence they chose to come to the same state where the Larry O’Brien trophy currently resides. Or, for that matter, where Nuggets big man Nikola Jokić staked his claim as the game’s best player with his historic play during Denver’s title run. As Nurse saw it, the physical and motivational benefits that came with this place made all sorts of sense. And once the Nuggets gave the blessing that was required by the league because of Fort Collins’ proximity to Denver, the Sixers’ plan was set.”
The Sixers had to check in with the Nuggets to get permission before holding a training camp in Colorado, per @sam_amick
“As for the mental side of it all, it’s no coincidence they chose to come to the same state where the Larry O’Brien trophy currently resides. Or, for that… pic.twitter.com/RocQw7F3Qd
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 4, 2023
This training camp comes after Joel Embiid, the Sixers’ star player, showed a noticeable decline in his playoff performance as compared to the remarkable regular-season numbers. The MVP only averaged 23.7 points per game and 9.8 rebounds, a significant decline from his regular-season average of 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds.
Will Nick Nurse lead the Sixers to a title?
After 41 years without an NBA championship, the Philadelphia 76ers are placing their hopes on a new face, Nick Nurse. Nurse, who was previously with the Toronto Raptors, led them to a championship in 2019. Interestingly, it was the Sixers who were defeated by the Raptors that year in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Nurse has an impressive .582 winning percentage from his five-year tenure with the Raptors. However, Toronto decided to part ways with him in April. But now with a fresh start in Philadelphia, many are hopeful that Nurse’s innovative tactics might help the Sixers to win a title.
#Sixers introduced new Head Coach Nick Nurse. Very personable but not sure he dug deep into Answering many questions. President Daryl Morey although he confirmed Joel Embiid met with Nurse during interview process he had nothing to do with final decision. @SportsRadioWIP pic.twitter.com/92wDRgz5DI
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) June 1, 2023
The 76ers even after having a league MVP in Joel Embiid and consecutive 50-win seasons have struggled to make a deep playoff run. The firing of Doc Rivers after the team’s most recent setback shows the franchise’s impatience and desire for a championship.
All eyes will now be on Nurse and the new training techniques he’s implementing. It remains to be seen if these changes including the unconventional training camp, will help the 76ers to their long-awaited championship.
