PG on KAT trade, Ricky Council IV’s progress, more reports from fourth day of camp

Paul George spoke during the fourth day of camp, discussing the Karl-Anthony Towns trade and much more. That and other reports from on the ground in the Bahamas.

The Sixers will wrap up their training camp in the Bahamas on Saturday and held their penultimate practice on Friday.

Paul George spoke for the first time in camp, discussing the blockbuster Karl-Anthony Towns trade, fitting into his role and playing for Nick Nurse. Nurse touched on Ricky Council IV’s role this season and what he wants to see in Year 2.

Here’s a roundup of the reports from the Bahamas.

PG reacts to KAT

George has seen plenty of huge trades during his time in the NBA — he was a part of two himself. He was as surprised as the rest of us when news broke that Towns was being dealt from the Timberwolves to the Knicks for Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle.

Of course this trade affects the landscape of the East in a big way. Everyone is chasing the defending-champion Celtics, but the Knicks and Sixers made all-in moves this summer to challenge Boston. All three teams will be fascinating to watch to start the year.

The Celtics will be missing Kristaps Porzingis as he recovers from offseason surgery. The Knicks will have to get Towns up to speed and also lack depth behind him at the five spot with Mitchell Robinson beginning the year on the shelf. The Sixers have practically a brand-new team which will take time to coalesce.

PG on Nurse, his role

Speaking of coalescing, George is getting his first taste of playing for Nurse and the Sixers. George is a player that would seem to fit into Nurse’s defensive schemes perfectly with his length, instincts and ability to create deflections.

So far, George is enjoying the experience.

There are several reasons why George was such a perfect fit for the Sixers. The biggest is probably his ability to play different roles. With the starters, he’ll be the clear third option and likely be asked to come off screens, catch-and-shoot and cut. When Embiid and/or Maxey head to the bench, he will be asked to have the ball in his hands more and create.

It’s a pliable role that George seems perfectly suited for.

George is a nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection, but he’s 34. When he signed here he knew Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey would be the focal points. At this juncture of his career, this is an ideal marriage for both sides.

Nurse on RC4

Council broke out last year as an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas to earn minutes as a rookie. Sure, the team being ravaged by injuries allowed Council to get out there more, but he did manage to make an impact in multiple wins.

In Year 2, he’ll have opportunities to earn a role and playing time, but it won’t be given to him. He knows that. He also knows exactly what the coaching staff wants out of him.

Nurse loves to tinker and experiment on the defensive end. It only works if every player is on the same page and doing their job. Council’s lack of experience hurts him when you look at the players that could potentially play in front of him, but don’t count him out. His athleticism and energy could be huge assets, especially for a team that struggled to come up with loose balls in the postseason last year.