The Philadelphia Inquirer DURHAM, N.C. - The 76ers began Maurice Cheeks' first training camp as their head coach yesterday without Samuel Dalembert and Steven Hunter, their top two centers. Dalembert, who signed a six-year, $64 million contract in the off-season, was sidelined by a strained right quadriceps, an injury he suffered during a recent workout. He did some light shooting on the side, but nothing else. Hunter, who was picked up as a free agent over the summer after playing for the Phoenix Suns, sat out with an abscess in his left leg, the result of what was believed to be an infected insect bite, according to Cheeks. "I'd rather lose them now than lose them later on," Cheeks said. "Sam should be ready to come back at the end of the week. Steven should be back tomorrow or the next day." Rookie forward Shavlik Randolph suffered a sprained left foot during yesterday's first practice and was kept out of the evening session. Source
Like Cheeks said, better to have the small injuries now than later. Minor injuries, Sam and Steve should be back soon.
Not a big deal. Those aren't anything major and besides, this is just the preseason. We still have about a month to go so this is really something minor.
When I saw this thread title I thought they had not shown up for practice period. Got a bit worried there thought we where going to have another “ It’s Just Practice” speech. Like everyone has said in this thread just some minor injuries it is good it is happening now than later they can rest and also play restricted minutes in preseason games.
Dalembert has been working out a lot during the offseason so missing most of training camp won't be that bad. And it's not like he doesn't know his role on the team or anything. So I'll guess he'll use the preseason to shake off that rust and get in that NBA shape, if he's not already.
