PHILADELPHIA — Newly acquired 76ers star Jaylen Brown has reportedly spent part of his offseason learning fencing in Italy after concluding that playing alongside LeBron James and Joel Embiid may require more than standard basketball preparation.
“Obviously I’ve been working on my handle, footwork, shooting,” Brown said while holding a foil in what witnesses described as an unnecessarily serious stance. “But when you’re joining a team with LeBron and Embiid, you also have to prepare for more advanced possession negotiations.”
Sources close to Brown say the former Celtic became interested in fencing shortly after reviewing Philadelphia’s projected offense and realizing there may occasionally be only one basketball on the court.
The training has reportedly focused on balance, reaction time, defensive positioning, and “establishing shot priority through honorable combat.”
Sixers coaches insist Brown’s fencing lessons are purely recreational, although one staff member quietly admitted that the team has already removed several decorative swords from the practice facility.
LeBron is said to be “intrigued” by the new training method, while Embiid reportedly asked whether duels could be used to determine who takes technical free throws.
Brown, meanwhile, says he feels fully prepared. “If the offense gets complicated,” he said, lowering his fencing mask, “we settle it like gentlemen.”
Training camp begins next week. Philadelphia has not yet announced whether swords will count toward the luxury tax.
