Jabari Walker steps into the Sixers' backup center role, and Nick Nurse likes what he sees
WhyNBA Sports Desk · Oct 19, 2026
The story
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.
The story
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.
The story
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."
The story
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.
The story
Aaronson noted that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will likely round out the rotation if Simons is available for Tuesday's season opener.
Photo credit
Jabari Walker in August 2026. File photo: Zafer / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0.
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