Jabari Walker steps into the Sixers’ backup center role, and Nick Nurse likes what he sees

Ariel Hukporti’s season-ending Achilles tear left the Sixers thin behind Joel Embiid, and Jabari Walker has spent the preseason filling the gap as a small-ball center, Adam Aaronson reported on Monday, October 19.

Walker improved his rotation chances more than anyone during camp, according to Aaronson, logging minutes at the five while other big men dealt with injuries. Coach Nick Nurse said the shift came out of necessity but may have helped Walker’s case. “I think primarily he’s a pick-and-pop player,” Nurse said. “So when he’s at the five, he’s going to get more matchups and more opportunities to show some of that.”

Nurse added that Anfernee Simons, who missed the entire preseason with a hamstring issue, and rookie guard Labaron Philon Jr. are not in direct competition for bench minutes. Aaronson noted that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will likely round out the rotation if Simons is available for Tuesday’s season opener.