LeBron James makes first public appearance at Blue x White scrimmage and puts on show for ‘Philly faithful’
"It’s been very smooth, in the simple fact that everybody’s been super welcoming,” James said of his first days with the Sixers after signing as a free agent this summer.
The crowd noise inside Xfinity Mobile Arena swelled as public address announcer Matt Cord’s booming voice said, “At 6-9, from St. Vincent-St. Mary … ” before introducing LeBron James. It erupted again the first time the all-time great touched the ball, then when James dished a pass to Joel Embiid for a three-pointer, then when James buried his own shot from beyond the arc.
James’ first public appearance in a 76ers (practice) jersey Saturday afternoon came with far more hubbub than a typical preseason scrimmage. His impact was apparent all over the floor as a facilitator, pace-pusher and scorer for the revamped Sixers roster now expected to contend in a deep Eastern Conference.
» READ MORE: New-look Sixers roster should allow Nick Nurse to get into his ‘bag’ on defense
For James, the annual Blue x White scrimmage was an “extension of training camp” and in his personal onboarding process in his first official days with his new team.
“As far as in the building, it’s been very smooth, in the simple fact that everybody’s been super welcoming,” James said following the scrimmage. “I’ve been able to implement some things in my voice, and as far as my command in how I play the game, and my experience of playing the game.
“I’m still getting more and more comfortable off the floor, as far as with the travel and without my family and things of that nature. So that’s going to be a little bit of a challenge. But everything’s been good so far. It’s been a great first week.”
The Sixers’ signing of the legendary James — plus trading for All-NBA wing Jaylen Brown as part of a shocking offseason — prompted the move of their annual public scrimmage from their G League affiliate Delaware Blue Coats’ facility in Wilmington to South Philly in order to accommodate more fans. With skyrocketing ticket prices for the regular season, this might be the only time some of those in attendance Saturday will get to see this star-studded roster in person. Admission was a $10 donation to the Sixers Youth Foundation, with 5,000 tickets provided to families that receive grants from the organization’s nonprofit affiliate along with youth organizations and community partners.
It was the start of a new relationship between Sixers fans and James, who said at media day that he appreciated the mutual respect and hate he received during his previous trips to Philly as an opponent.
Those in the stands Saturday got to watch James, wearing No. 9 instead of his iconic 23, deliver a behind-the-back pass to VJ Edgecombe in the corner. And throw down an alley-oop from Tyrese Maxey. And hit another step-back three-pointer.
After averaging 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.1 assists last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, James maintained Saturday that he is willing “to pick up whatever a team may need” as the Sixers aim to best maximize their top-end talent.
“I’m just trying to fast-track everything, offensively and defensively,” James said. “The commands. The calls. The reads, and everything they’ve had in place over the few years. I’m stepping into a new system and I’m stepping into a whole new environment.”
The bulk of James’ initial work, however, has been in the privacy of the Sixers’ practice facility. Coach Nick Nurse and president of basketball operations Mike Gansey recently commended James’ consistent early arrival for his meticulous personal routine ahead of practice. Though his strong rapport with Maxey is already well-documented, James on Saturday reminded that he also has brief history with Embiid as part of the 2024 U.S. Olympic team.
» READ MORE: Jaylen Brown shares details of his onboarding process — on and off the court — with the Sixers
Gansey also called James a tone-setter; that, at age 41, he is still diving on the floor for loose balls during practice.
“I mean, the guy is the biggest professional I’ve ever seen,” said Gansey, who also was in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ front office during James’ championship-winning stint with that team.
Once the Sixers begin preseason play Monday against the New York Knicks, James said he hopes to continue gaining rhythm with new teammates but “not overdo it” physically leading up to a high-profile Oct. 20 opening night at Madison Square Garden. The Sixers’ home opener is two nights later, against James’ familiar Cavaliers.
Yet Saturday afternoon will always mark the first time James got Cord’s booming introduction inside Xfinity Mobile Arena. Fans hung around the building long after the scrimmage concluded, at one point abruptly swarming to a fence overlooking the parking lot where players come and go.
They wanted a glimpse of James leaving his new home arena.
“Obviously, it was fun to be able to play in front of some of our Philly faithful for the first time,” James said. “ … It was a great first step in the direction we’re trying to go. And, like I said, it was great to hear some cheers.”
