Sixers Notes: George, Embiid, Grimes, Edgecombe

The Sixers are already starting training camp without prized sophomore Jared McCain, who was recently announced to have a torn thumb ligament, and it looks like they will also be without star wing Paul George, according to The Athletic’s Tony Jones (subscriber link).

Jones writes that George is still working his way back from the knee injury that required surgery in June, though he is apparently reaching the final stages of his recovery process. According to George, he has done almost everything except for full-contact gameplay, and the next few weeks will be critical for understanding his timeline.

“I’m feeling stronger and stronger,” George said. “I feel a lot better now than I did at this point last year.”

When it comes to his on-court outlook, George has said that he’s “very comfortable playing at the four spot this year,” according to Kyle Neubeck of PHLY_Sports (via Twitter).

That willingness to play power forward could be important for a team light on that position in the depth chart. Outside of George, the team only has Trendon Watford and two-way player Jabari Walker to man that role. George notes that the ball-handling and playmaking he brings could be very valuable at the power forward position.

We have more from the Sixers:

• Joel Embiid is feeling “pretty good” as he works to return from his knee injury, but there is still no timeline on his recovery process, writes Jeff Borzello for ESPN. “Obviously the goal is to play consistently and not be the position that we were last year.” He went on to say, “I want to play every single game. I’ve been pretty unlucky when it comes to that compared to most NBA players. When you get to the point where I was last year where it was so unpredictable, it sucks. It is mentally draining,” Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix notes. When it comes to managing Embiid’s health, president Daryl Morey said, “The doctors’ advice, what Joel said on listening to his body, which is a big component on how doctors manage injuries — that’s going to be what carries the day this year.”
• Despite the public reports of a disconnect in negotiations between the Sixers and restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, Morey said he’s feeling optimistic about the partnership, Borzello writes. “I think we will get to a resolution in the next few days, hopefully,” Morey said. “But we’re excited to bring him back. He’s a big part of what we’re trying to do, now and into the future, if we can get things resolved.”
• When it comes to this year’s No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe, Sixers’ coach Nick Nurse says success will be defined by the minutes he plays, reports Derek Bodner of PHLY_Sports (via Twitter). “We need to let him play through the ups and downs,” Nurse said, while noting that Edgecombe has been working hard on his shooting since being drafted. With McCain set to miss the beginning of the season, Edgecombe will have a chance to earn some minutes early on. Capitalizing on that opportunity could be an important part of his season’s trajectory.