LeBron James to play center: Nick Nurse’s idea
Ariel Hukporti’s Achilles injury complicates the Sixers’ rotations. Among Nick Nurse’s solutions is using LeBron James at center
At 41 years old and entering his 24th NBA season, LeBron James could find himself playing a role he has only taken on occasionally during his incredibly long career. Nick Nurse is considering using the new Philadelphia 76ers player at center as well, especially in small-ball lineups.
The idea also comes from roster necessity. Ariel Hukporti’s Achilles tendon injury has reduced the options inside, leaving the Sixers with few solutions behind Joel Embiid.
Speaking on the matter, Nurse confirmed that James is one of the names being considered to fill that role.
Dean would be another candidate, if we want to consider him a small-ball center. I think LeBron could be one too: he’s played the five in small-ball situations before. We’ll probably lean on that group unless another solution emerges
Nick Nurse
After all, changing positions would certainly be nothing new for LeBron. He came into basketball as a forward, but over the years developed into one of the NBA’s premier playmakers, even spending significant time as a point guard. And with the Lakers, there were plenty of occasions when he played center, taking advantage of his ability to read the game and control possessions.
In Philadelphia, he will find a different situation than he had in Los Angeles. With Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, V.J. Edgecombe and Joel Embiid, James will not necessarily have to carry the full offensive burden and can be used in different ways depending on what the team needs.
Nurse, meanwhile, has already had the chance to appreciate his new player’s work habits.
He gets in very early and follows his routine: as soon as he arrives, he goes straight to the weight room, then moves on to skill work. He’s clearly in great condition. He’s been playing for a very long time and knows how to manage these things
Nick Nurse
Naturally, playing center at 41 years old is no easy task, especially from a physical standpoint. It is hard to imagine LeBron spending long stretches battling the NBA’s heavier big men, but in small-ball lineups he could be an interesting solution.