MIAMI _ Brett Brown had a hand in Tim Duncan's development during his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs.
These days, the 76ers coach is dedicated to doing the same thing for his standout rookie center, Joel Embiid.
So far, it appears that Embiid is at least off to a solid start. However, fans in Miami and in Detroit might not get the chance to Embiid up close and personal.
Following Thursday night's road loss to San Antonio, Brown was non-committal on Embiid playing Saturday against the Heat or on Monday against the Pistons.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich believes Brown could successfully duplicate the things he did with Duncan.
"Obviously, I don't know Mr. Embiid like I know Mr. Duncan," Popovich said. "But if that character and that hunger and that work ethic and that maturity exist, he and Brett will be a great match."
The future Hall of Fame coach said his close friend and former assistant knows when to step back and let the player figure things out. Popovich also thinks Brown knows when to add his voice and how to help a player get better.
"And that's what he did with Timmy," Popovich said.
Duncan retired in July after 19 seasons in the NBA. The post player was a two-time league MVP, a 10-time all-NBA first-teamer, a 15-time NBA All-Star, a five-time league champion and the 1998 rookie of the year.
Embiid is the runaway favorite to win this season's rookie of the year.
