CAMDEN, N.J. — Tired of getting rolled over in the deeper part of the playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers are continuing to build an identity around toughness and physicality.

Toughness has been at the forefront of the identity the Sixers have been trying to create since the beginning of last season when they prioritized hard-nosed veterans who take pride in their defense. P.J. Tucker was the main bearer of this standard, as he has been throughout his career.

Speaking to the media after the Sixers' Monday practice, Nick Nurse said that Tucker is on the short list of players who “automatically bring intensity, toughness and, and experience” to a team. He mentioned how, during the preseason finale against the Atlanta Hawks, the Sixers played tougher to start the second half because of how hard Tucker played to start off. It’s not the first time Tucker has made a lasting imprint with his hustle and won’t be the last. 

“We got some physical, tough dudes, man, that aren't afraid to compete,” Nurse said. “When you're a real competitor, that means you're gonna fight hard and do whatever it takes. And, yeah, we need to make that part of our identity.”

The Sixes doubled down on trying to build an identity of physicality and toughness by signing Patrick Beverley. On top of being a tough defender who is comfortable guarding up positions and a solid playmaker/shooter on offense, Beverley is never one to back down or let himself or his teammates get punked.

Beverley showed his competitive fire by getting thrown out of a preseason game when he stuck up for teammate Filip Petrusev. The veteran point guard discussed the cohesion of the team and hinted at how Philly will exude its aggressive play style on the floor.

“I think we're a closer-knit group than a lot of people know,” Beverley said when asked what he thinks the Sixers' identity is. “We have a bunch of new faces, but also collectively with a bunch of guys that's also been there before. We really get along a lot. We're able to police ourselves, coach ourselves.

“And I'd say, on the basketball court, I think just physicality and aggressiveness,” he continued. “Obviously, you go through the preseason, we fouled a ton. But I played on teams with, you know, we led the league in fouls and we led the league in forcing turnovers too, so it plays a part in both ways. So, if there was one thing of identity, it would be physicality.”

The Sixers will get a great test for their physicality in their season opener on Thursday when they play Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.