Early excitement surrounding Joel Embiid for Sixers.

Initial intrigue for Sixers in center behind Embiid originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia The Sixers starting center Monday night served more as an extended five. Their 6-foot-8 backup center known as “Dancing Bear,” shot 6 for 6 from the floor in his first NBA game since May 8th – adding plenty of intrigue for their preseason opener with Joel Embiid watching from the sidelines – Andre Drummond started things off by taking the opening jump ball for the Sixers before recording 11 points and seven rebounds during their 139-84 exhibition win against New Zealand Breakers, an impressive stat line for an unheralded big man of 31 years old. Further, Drummond made an important three-point shot from the corner (and missed another top-of-the-key attempt as well), marking his debut of semi-regular three-point attempts. Drummond has attempted no long-range shots over the last four seasons with zero made; his highest volume season with Detroit was 5 for 38 shot attempts; Sixers head coach Nick Nurse did not treat Drummond’s jump shots as preseason silliness or harmless experimentation. “He can shoot,” Nurse stated after game. “So yes, we are working with him on it for sure. There may be moments where space arises for him if playing against a rim protector… But overall I believe he can score.” Since I’ve known him, he’s shown more talent than he’s let on. While most often seen repping and passing off the ball, there’s some ball, passing, shooting skills here that I hope we continue honing together. “Nurse utilized Guerschon Yabusele before turning to rookie Adem Bona in the second half. Though Yabusele typically operates at power forward position, he spent significant time at center during training camp – thus not coming as much of a surprise when Nurse turned his focus toward him instead.” “I work on being at five frequently, so this wasn’t surprising to me at all,” he noted. “With Joel out, it was always expected for me to fill both roles; however, sometimes playing on court with Drum. For me it has been interesting attempting to manage both roles simultaneously.” “I believe I must be ready to play at five during the season. “There were various qualifying factors — preseason game, non-NBA opponent and Tyrese Maxey being absent as one member of his star trio — yet Yabusele performed admirably in his initial Sixers center stint. Kyle Lowry proved an effective partner, providing assistance on Yabusele’s first three field goals and quickly recognizing when his large size advantage had become an opportunity through Breakers pick-and-roll switching and cross-matches. “He is an invaluable piece on our team,” Yabusele enthused of the six-time All-Star guard, whom she considers one of her mentors and confidantes. “He understands things more than other guys so when he speaks up we listen. “After my first basket, he told me to always roll and that he would find me. Today we created that bond which will prove valuable as the season unfolds.” “Nurse appears to see Yabusele as an asset to his team’s rotation; his more agile movements and skill can’t go unnoticed by anyone weighing approximately 270 pounds.” “He got himself into some really great positions tonight,” Nurse noted of Nurse. “When they switched, he immediately made himself comfortable; that is one style they frequently employed him with France and elsewhere overseas.” As soon as they switch a smaller player on, he or she should have ample room to maneuver; they should also have no trouble posting and scoring. We shouldn’t get carried away; larger bodies might come along later. Let’s see how he fare. “But he made some effective moves — facing up, getting to the front of the rim and shooting. After hitting it off the glass rebounds were made. Can he handle defensive rebounding duties as well as pick and pop occasionally?… He showed all of these qualities tonight – an encouraging start.” No matter his position, Yabusele appreciates returning to the NBA eight years after he was first drafted and five since last appearing with the Celtics. “I can honestly say, it felt amazing! To have won and had everyone contribute is just incredible; tonight has been such an awesome night!” Though his road has been long, but Yabusele remains grateful to be back here with them all.”