76ers training camp opens with Nick Nurse ready to experiment: 'We need to clearly define roles for everybody'

At the far end of the Penn Medicine Training Complex, with most other roster members departed for the day, assistant Phil Handy finished up a shooting circuit with veteran guard Anfernee Simons . Handy, a legendary player development coach, paused Simons' shooting to walk through his mechanics.

"I just want you to go short and quick," Handy said, using his hands and feet to demonstrate while Simons clung to every word. Ensuing shots came in rapid succession, each one seemingly quicker and smoother than the last as Handy and fellow assistant Matt Brase looked on.

The less work Simons needs to do when receiving the ball, the better. The 27-year-old will receive a profusion of catch-and-shoot opportunities in the minutes he shares the floor with Tyrese Maxey , Jaylen Brown and LeBron James . Role players like Simons will need to be even more rapid with their decision-making to maximize the gravity that comes with All-NBA talents, but it unlocks an even bigger theme.