Jimmy Butler has passed the initial test that came with joining the Philadelphia Sixers — his willingness to mesh with the team's young players, especially the stars. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons raved about his ability to lead, preach communication and push his teammates to do better when on the court.

“At one point, he told me I was communicating defensively, but I wasn’t being loud [enough]. Then, he came to me and told me I need to be loud,” said Embiid, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype. “That’s what I want him to do; he was pushing me. I like that. I need to do my job. He’s one of the best defensive players in the league.”

Some executives around the league questioned how Butler would fit with this team, given his forceful style of leadership, always demanding the very best of his teammates and now known for getting on them if they don't.

Young players can be notorious slow starters when it comes to picking up the work ethic that comes with the profession, and the few who do have carved out consistent stardom for themselves, just as Butler did despite having few opportunities in his first few years in the league.

“He is a positive guy,” Simmons said of Butler. “He is someone who is going to push everyone. He is going to help a lot.”

Butler poured in 14 points, four rebounds and two assists in his 33-minute debut, one that was spoiled by a Terrence Ross 3-pointer to hand the Sixers a loss. The future seems bright for the Sixers, though, as long as Butler remains on the same page as his younger teammates.