NBA Philadelphia 76ers

Brandon Davies Proving What The Real Philadelphia 76ers Culture Is

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By @Greg_Sacidor

Bill Streicher - USA TODAY Sports

Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports

Whenever anyone today hears the name Philadelphia 76ers, the first word that usually comes to mind is “tanking.” This may be the word that most associate with the culture of the 76ers, but not forward Brandon Davies.

A 6-foot-10 forward out of Brigham Young University, Davies always played a key role for his team. During his college days at BYU, Davies served as one of the most important pieces to his team’s success, of course only behind guard Jimmer Fredette. During the 2010-11 season, the success of the nationally ranked BYU Cougars even came to a screeching halt after Davies was suspended for violating team rules.

In 2013, Davies went undrafted. After being waived from the Los Angeles Clippers during the early portion of the 2013-14 NBA season, Davies signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, who were in the beginning stages of their rebuilding effort. Throughout the 2013 season, Davies managed to survive a constant shuffling of the roster, appearing in 51 games while averaging just over 11 minutes per game.

Based on these results, Davies wasn’t seen as a guy who could join the likes of Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel as a key part of the franchise’s future. But after putting in the hard work throughout the offseason, Davies is quickly changing that perception.

Throughout the early stages of the 2014-15 season, Davies has seen a larger role with the Sixers. Although he has only started two of the team’s first six games, Davies has seen an increase of minutes. Averaging just about 20 minutes per game, Davies has shown a wide variety of new skills, including a surprisingly good three-point shot. Six games into the season, Davies even finds himself as the team’s second leading scorer. In the 76ers’ recent loss to the Orlando Magic, Davies posted a career-high 20 points.

Brandon Davies is just one example of what the culture of the Philadelphia 76ers really is. While many associate the 76ers with what the front office is doing, they are simply overlooking what is being preached by head coach Brett Brown in the locker room. He may not be given the best talent in the world, but Brown is doing what he can with what he’s given. From Day 1, he has preached to his team to develop as players, and that is simply what they are doing. Sixers’ players may not be All-Stars or most-valuable-player candidates, but they are sure proving that they belong in this league; just ask Brandon Davies.

Greg Sacidor is a Philadelphia 76ers and NBA writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Greg_Sacidor or add him toyour network on Google.

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