Four big men out. One true center available. And a 6-foot-9 LeBron James standing at the middle for the opening tip.
PHILADELPHIA – With Joel Embiid sidelined and the Sixers' frontcourt already running thin, LeBron James got the call at center on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons. It's a role he hopes he won't have to play much this season.
The setup
Embiid sat out because of right foot plantar fasciitis management, and he wasn't the only big man missing. Jabari Walker (knee), Dominick Barlow (back) and Tacko Fall (quad) were also out. VJ Edgecombe, the team's best rebounding guard, was sidelined with an abdominal contusion.
Head coach Nick Nurse said before the game that only about three players were left who could possibly play the five. By tipoff, Adem Bona was the only true center available.
Not new territory, but rare
The start was James' 15th at center in his 24-year career, and his first in five seasons. The previous 14 came in 2021-22 with the Lakers. James turns 42 in December.
Nurse has already been using him at center this season, regularly in spurts when the Sixers go small-ball. James has played in only two of the team's three games. He sat out the win over the Cavaliers to manage sciatica.
The game
James matched up with Pistons big man Paul Reed for much of the night. He finished with 18 points, five assists and two rebounds. It wasn't enough, as the Sixers lost 106-93, their first defeat of the season.
Bona did his part. He played a season-high 25 minutes and grabbed 13 rebounds, five of them offensive, along with six points. James praised his energy and effort and said he gave the team a spark on both ends of the glass when the Sixers weren't rebounding well.
The boards have been a problem all season. Opponents have outrebounded Philadelphia in every game. The Sixers lost the rebounding battle by 22 on Saturday against Milwaukee and by 17 on Sunday against Detroit. The frontcourt injuries have played a part.
What James said
Asked about the role, James was clear that it isn't a long-term plan. "I'm not here to have a sustainable role at the five," he said. The 76ers star added that he can do it, but pointed out that the team has Embiid. He doesn't think anyone, the team included, would want him in that role for good.
Teammates' view
Guard Tyrese Maxey said the fix is simple: get the tall players back.
Quick Summary
Who: LeBron James, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons
What: James started at center amid frontcourt injuries
When: Sunday
Where: Philadelphia
Score/Result: Pistons 106, 76ers 93 (Sixers' first loss of the season)
Why it matters: The Sixers are thin up front and are being outrebounded, and James says he doesn't want center to be a regular role
Content Credit: ESPN
📸 Photo: 76ers