With 76ers center Joel Embiid out because of right foot plantar fasciitis management and the Sixers’ frontcourt already thin, LeBron James started at center for the 15th time in his 24-year career Sunday against the Detroit Pistons
The 6-foot-9 James, who turns 42 in December, matched up with Pistons big man Paul Reed for much of the game, and finished with 18 points, five assists and two rebounds as the 76ers lost 106-93 for their first defeat of the season.
It was James’ first time starting at center in five seasons; the previous 14 instances occurred in the 2021-22 season with the Lakers. In three games this season — James sat out the Sixers’ win over the Bucks to manage sciatica — head coach Nick Nurse has used James regularly in spurts at center when the Sixers have gone to small-ball lineups.
Nevertheless, James doesn’t believe him starting at center
Nevertheless, James doesn’t believe him starting at center is something that the Sixers will need moving forward — or want.
“Well, s— we got an MVP over there. I’m not here to have a sustainable role at the 5,” James said. “You got Joel Embiid on the team. … If I was to say I was signed here to have a sustainable role at the 5, I don’t think none of us would actually want that. I can do it, but… we have [Embiid].”
The Sixers are incredibly thin in the frontcourt. On Sunday, they were without Embiid and three other big men who were sidelined because of injuries: Jabari Walker (knee), Dominick Barlow (back), and Tacko Fall (quad).
We’ve only got about three guys left
“We’ve only got about three guys left that can possibly play the 5,” Nurse said pregame.
VJ Edgecombe — the Sixers’ best rebounding guard — was also out because of an abdominal contusion. Adem Bona was the only true center available Sunday for the Sixers and played a season-high 25 minutes, grabbing 13 rebounds (five on offense) and scoring six points.
“I thought he was amazing tonight: his energy, his effort,” James said. “For us, who weren’t rebounding well, he came in and gave us that spark on the rebounding offensively and defensively. So, I think his energy and his effort are going to be great for our team throughout the whole season.”
The Sixers’ frontcourt injuries have played a part in their struggles rebounding. Opponents have outrebounded Philly in each game this season, including losing the rebounding battle by 22 on Saturday against Milwaukee and 17 on Sunday against Detroit.
For guard Tyrese Maxey, the fix is simple.
“Some of our tall guys come back. That would be great,” he said.
