The change was both shocking and unexpected. JaKarr Sampson showed up for training camp at Stockton University last month, having cropped off his distinct, long-lock hairstyle, a trademark ‘do during his first season with the Sixers.
Coif stylings aside, though, Sampson has no plans of altering the approach that helped him rise from the ranks of an undrafted rookie free agent, to that of a regular NBA rotation contributor. The St. John’s product remains focused on his defense.
“That’s why I’m here. That’s why I get the playing time I get is my defense, being able to play against some of the best, and compete, and make it hard on some of the best players in the NBA,” Sampson said following Wednesday’s practice at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
A year ago, against Sampson, opposing players shot 43.4 percent from the field, a figure that registered a touch below the average NBA field goal shooting percentage of 44.9. Sampson’s 34.4 three-point opposing field goal percentage was also a tick under the league mean.
“I want to be that guy who can shut down or make it tougher on great players,” said Sampson, identifying LeBron James and Joe Johnson, Brooklyn’s veteran sharpshooter, as two of his favorite players to guard. “I want to be that guy, and take pride in that. Coach sees that, and we’re going to work on it, and continue to get better.”
Brown said that Sampson was one of several of the team’s wing players who had an “amazing summer,” and actually began training for this year a month after last season ended.
“On May 18th, they showed up, and didn’t miss a beat,” Brown said of his wing group. “They just have been great from a consistency standpoint, and they’ve reaped the benefit for a bunch of ways. Their game has improved, their chemistry…has improved. I see them through a whole different lens.”
Brown had particular praise for Sampson, saying the Sixers enjoy their best floor balance when the Akron, OH native is on the court. While defense remains Sampson’s calling card, he is hopeful he can expand his offensive game, especially from the perimeter.
“I feel like I’m taking better three’s,” said Sampson. He averaged 5.2 points, and shot 24.4 percent on three’s as a rookie. “I feel like last year, I was all about trying to show people I can shoot, but I’m really just playing my role. I’m a slasher. I’m good at getting to the rim and to the foul line. When I’m open, I can knock that shot down.”
Sampson, who played on a minutes restriction during the second week of the pre-season, has started all five exhibition outings in which he has appeared.
Bonus Points:
Jahlil Okafor went through today’s practice without any restrictions. Afterwards, he was asked about being named the player most likely to earn NBA Rookie of the Year honors in the annual NBA.com “GM Survey,” which came out yesterday. “It doesn’t mean much to me, even if I wasn’t voted. That’s still my goal [to win Rookie of the Year], so my job is to come out here and I’m going to try to improve every day.”
Undrafted UNLV power forward Christian Wood is making progress in his recovery from a hamstring problem. He went through roughly 80 percent of today’s workout, the team said. He expects to be 100 percent by Friday’s pre-season finale versus Boston. “I need every game. Every game counts to me. I can’t take a game off. I’m just here to work and get better.”Wood last played in the Sixers’ October 12th meeting with the Knicks, when he put up a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Furkan Aldemir was also limited a bit today, dealing with a plantar fascia issue in his right foot. Like Wood, he took part in 80% of the team’s practice activities.
