Scene Setter:
As the fireworks settle from the Fourth of July, the 76ers will look to tip off
the 2019 NBA Summer League with another bang Friday.
As the preliminary round begins in Las Vegas, the Sixer summer squad will first
face the Milwaukee Bucks at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Suiting up for the Sixers’ summer team is first-round pick Matisse Thybulle, who
will look to channel the same defensive intensity that earned him NCAA defensive
player of the year honors.
“I think it’s just a matter of getting comfortable,” Thybulle said at Thursday’s
practice. “With the first game, just finding my rhythm out there, and building
on that after each one.”
Zhaire Smith returns to the Summer League stage for the second season.
Highlighting Smith’s first Summer League campaign was a 16 point, three assist
and three steal effort last summer against the Lakers.
.@zhaire_smith finishes with 3 assists, 3 steals and a team-high 16 points vs
Los Angeles. >> https://t.co/FAAlnPNreG | #Summer76 pic.twitter.com/UETgEeGPvC–
Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 8, 2018
.@zhaire_smith finishes with 3 assists, 3 steals and a team-high 16 points vs
Los Angeles. >> https://t.co/FAAlnPNreG | #Summer76 pic.twitter.com/UETgEeGPvC
“I already know what to expect,” Smith said at Summer League minicamp. “I know
what intensity to bring.”
Shake Milton could also be poised for a strong trip. Prior to the team’s
departure, Elton Brand said he’s never seen a player so excited to take the
Summer League stage.
“I feel more comfortable out there,” Milton said following his rookie season. “I
feel stronger, and I feel more confident.”
Milton, who split his time between the Sixers and Blue Coats as a rookie,
averaged 24.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists during his time in the G
League.
. 26 PTS | 5 REB | 3 ASTShake Milton: Absolute hooper.@snipershake | @nbagleague
pic.twitter.com/vWkxP362qM– Delaware Blue Coats (@blue_coats) March 19, 2019
. 26 PTS | 5 REB | 3 ASTShake Milton: Absolute hooper.@snipershake | @nbagleague
pic.twitter.com/vWkxP362qM
Friday’s contest will be the first of four preliminary round matchups for the
Sixers. The team will play again on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday.
Opponent Outlook:
The Bucks’ Summer League roster is headlined by current Bucks players Sterling
Brown, D.J. Wilson and Bonzie Colson. Brown averaged 6.4 points, 3.2 rebounds,
and 1.4 assists in 2018-19. Wilson contributed 5.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per
game, while Colson added 4.9 points and 3.8 boards. Former Notre Dame standout
Matt Farrell, who played for the Blue Coats in 2018-19, also joins the Bucks’
summer team.
Follow Along:
Watch: ESPN2 / watchESPN.com
@Sixers Social:
Thybulle says he’s been learning from and mimicking Smith’s movements in
practice, and it seems that bond has transcended footwork.
.@zhaire_smith and @MatisseThybulle are READY for the first #NBASummerLeague
game pic.twitter.com/F4xKY1ezVu– Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 4, 2019
.@zhaire_smith and @MatisseThybulle are READY for the first #NBASummerLeague
game pic.twitter.com/F4xKY1ezVu
Player: Shake Milton
Player: Norvel Pelle
Player: Marial Shayok
Player: Zhaire Smith
Player: Matisse Thybulle
Media Content:
https://www.nba.com/sixers/news/team-looks-start-summer-league-strong
Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Philadelphia Sixers, Shake Milton, Norvel Pelle,
Marial Shayok, Zhaire Smith, Matisse Thybulle, Philadelphia 76ers
Media Thumbnail: https://www.nba.com/sixers/sites/sixers/files/untitled_42.jpeg
Story Link:
https://www.nba.com/sixers/news/team-looks-start-summer-league-strong
