There's a new coach, a bunch of new shooters.

Joel Embiid looks like he's in shape and ready to go on.

Ben Simmons is healthy.

Soak in the 70 Sixers.

Get back in the n B.

A title contender.

Conversation.

Stephen A.

Sat down with Sixers coach Doc Rivers to discuss.

We welcome in the new coach for the Philadelphia 76 is, ah, champion with the Boston Celtics.

Obviously been coaching the Clippers the previous seven years.

The one and only Doc Rivers, who head coach for the Philadelphia 76 is how you coach, How's everything going, Stephen, I'm doing wonderful doing terrific, you know, seasons on his way.

That's that's what we want.

Get this thing going coming into this season.

Coach, how are you feeling about these?

Six is just looking at your roster right now.

Do you view yourselves as a contender?

Obviously, you always think you've got work to do.

But how do you view this team coming into this season?

Yeah, I think we are.

I think we're one of, ah, a bunch of teams in the East east of stuff.

There's a lot of good teams here, but we feel like we're one of them.

I think, uh, you know, when when people talk about our team, they always start with Ben and Joel, and they really should, um you know, and they always say this, that they haven't won.

And I say, Well, I can give I can name a bunch of duels they haven't won, but with our youth three yet word should be put on the end of that sentence.

And that's what I tell our guys.

We haven't won yet.

And so we're on that journey, just like a bunch of other teams are.

I heard you say something recently that I thought was blasphemous.

I think that Ben Simmons is elite.

This dude is a jump shot away from being LeBron James two point.

Oh, that's how gifted I think he is.

But not only does you know, is he not perceived as being the shooter.

He doesn't even attempt to shoot, and Doc Rivers was quoted as saying, That's not that important.

First of all, is that Was that quote accurate?

Did just say that, and if so, why on earth would you say that?

Because I really believe that like it is important in the long run.

Let's let's be honest.

Um, but I want Ben Simmons to play free.

I don't want him to play thinking about shooting a jump shot.

I want him to play downhill, get in the paint, make plays, get to the free throw line something that no one's ever told him, like Get to the line as much as possible 10 times a game.

If you can get there on, then your shot will come.

But don't go into games.

Don't drive to the rain and thinking about man, I need to make a three tonight.

No, you don't.

You need to play.

I asked him a simple question.

Steven, I'll ask you, if we average 101 120 points this year, do you care where they're from or do you care that we're efficient and doing it?

And that's what I'm trying to tell Ben.

I think naturally those shots will come on.

He works on him every day, but I don't want him walking in the game thinking about shooting the jump shot.

But he's attempted 24 3 point is, is in his entire career.

You know the game better than me.

You've been coaching on an elite level all of these years, and even though I think you're absolutely right about what may transpire in the regular season come postseason time, you know if you know threat from the perimeter, that's four or five basketball on the offensive side of the floor.

Um, I'm not right about that.

Well, not when he has a ball.

You know, people forget I have Rondo on.

We won the world championship with Rondo at the point guard, and early on Rondo could shoot the ball.

But Rondeau didn't want to shoot the ball, and he still doesn't a lot.

But Rondo was pretty effective in the playoffs, and I think Ben could be the same way.

Daryl Morey is the new president of basketball operations.

You and I've spoken is obviously somebody you support wholeheartedly.

Be leading this organization because Darryl Maury's record speaks for itself is an executive in the NBA.

But I'd be remiss.

And let me preface my question by saying, I am not asking you to comment about James Harden.

Okay?

I'm not asking that question.

You're not getting fine, Doc Rivers.

I'm not asking about, Doctor, about James Harden.

Okay, But I will ask you this around with you.

That's right.

We're not We're not getting you fine.

We're not getting you fine.

But I will ask you this question.

There are people who look at the 70 Sixers teams like the 70 Sixes to Brooklyn.

That's they say, Hey, there are peace away from title contention.

I know you're feeling good about this team.

Do you feel this team can legitimately compete for a title as structured or do you think there may be a move here or there that needs to be made?

I think we can add structure.

Having said that, you know, every team is gonna keep looking, Stephen A.

That's just what we do on we have to.

But I like our team the way it is right now for sure.

Last question.

As structured right now, I don't want to say championship or bust, but what defines success for you with this specific 70 Sixers team this season?

You know, that's a great question.

Um, for me and and my goals air higher than the most people.

And so you set yourself up.

But you know, I wanna win the east.

And then if you win the East and you wanna win it all.

But the first goal is to win these.

That's the only way you could get to the finals is by doing that.

And I want our guys focus on that and you believe is presently constructed.

Y'all could win the east with the current Rossi.

Doc.

Happy holidays.

Good luck this upcoming season, and you know you will see me.

So I'll see you soon.

Well, I see you everywhere, Stephen.

A even on general hospital.

My goodness everywhere.

Yeah, I'm working on the coach.

I'm trying to be a Renaissance man.

I'm trying to be a Renaissance man.

Uh huh.

Thanks for watching ESPN on YouTube for live streaming sports and premium content.