Sixers Establishing Leadership Without Veterans

The role of a veteran leader is highly valued when constructing an NBA team. With only 15 roster spots available, players are sought after to contribute their proven experience on and off the court.

But what happens when a team is so young that only one player has more than three seasons under his belt? The Philadelphia 76ers are establishing their own leadership without the veterans.

With the exception of 32-year-old forward Carl Landry, who is playing in his ninth NBA season, the average age of the Sixers is just over 22 years old. The team includes five rookies, four sophomores, three players in their third season and a pair in their fourth. Without a clearly defined go-to leader, several members of the team are stepping into the positions often assumed by those with more experience.

“We all have to do it together,” Isaiah Canaan said. “It’s not a one man thing; it’s everybody.”

The team began establishing these roles months before the season began. In July, several of the 76ers made the trip to Las Vegas to spend time with the Summer League squad. The returning players felt it was important to express their camaraderie early on as the team prepared for another rebuilding year.

“We went to support the team,” Robert Covington said. “Seeing the veteran guys who are going to be the leaders they look up to be there, that gave them motivation to show them that we’re in it together.”

Covington, who is self-described as outspoken, was approached by the coaching staff to assume an increased vocal role. He identified himself, Canaan, Tony Wroten and Hollis Thompson as the team’s core of leaders. Combined, they have appeared in 433 career NBA games. That doesn’t matter to them, though, when it comes to their abilities to offer guidance, constructive criticism and emphasize accountability.

As the point guard, Canaan says leadership begins with him. Canaan appeared in 22 games for the Sixers last season following a trade from the Houston Rockets. He works to get to know his teammates, pick up on who they are as individuals and how to best approach them.

“Everybody’s personalities and egos are different so you have to find a happy medium,” Canaan explained. “They have to do a good job of listening. They’ve got to be coachable, not just from the coaches but from the teammates as well. We all, at the end of the day, are trying to help each other. We’re not trying to hurt each other.”

The messages are resonating. Rookie Jahlil Okafor is already is taking to his new teammates. While he is a centerpiece on the floor, the 19-year-old is accepting of the advice offered to him away from the game.

“We all want to win,” Okafor said. “We all have to make each other accountable for their actions, making sure we’re on time and things like that. It’s been pretty easy to find leadership.”

The desire to lead extends beyond a small group. Players around the team are looking toward themselves to find ways to step up. Jerami Grant is trying to lead more by example, Kendall Marshall is focusing on bringing his voice on the court and Nerlens Noel is holding himself responsible in his second season.

“Me, taking accountability, I have to do a better job speaking to them [in games],” Noel said. “I try to be the most vocal. It’s a young team. I have to do my best by them, especially on the defensive end.”

The 76ers are looking past age and experience and instead listening to direction and guidance. Their leadership is by committee, with each player accepting their role to work toward a common goal.

“I try to instill [this message] not just in them but keep reminding myself that, no matter what,” Covingston says, “we don’t stop playing until the clock says zero.”