Sixers’ Mike Scott Anticipates ‘Gritty’ Matchup vs. Celtics

CAMDEN, NJ (973espn.com) — Around this time last season, veteran forward Mike Scott didn't anticipate leaving his current situation by way of a trade. As he opened up the 2018-2019 NBA season as a part of the Los Angeles Clippers, the veteran was looking to land a long-term deal after spending one season in D.C. with the Wizards.

However, the Clippers had other plans. At the trade deadline last season, the Clippers and Sixers' front offices worked out a significant deal, which sent Scott, along with Tobias Harris and Boban Marjanovic, to Philadelphia. While Marjanovic didn't stick around beyond the 2018-2019 season, Harris and Scott lucked up with multi-year deals.

While Scott wasn't exactly viewed as the star in that deal, per se — he ended up becoming a household name in the Philly basketball scene due to his blue-collar-like mentality, which Philadelphia fans seem to embrace like no other. It wasn't an act put on by Scott either. The Virginia native genuinely possesses that 'dog-like' personality.

On Wednesday, Scott will open up the 2019-2020 NBA Season with the 76ers after spending his first offseason with them. As expected, the 31-year-old reserve anticipates a hard-nosed matchup, which he believes will set the correct tone for the season at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.

“It’s definitely a rivalry, Philly versus Boston," Scott said on Tuesday following the final practice of the offseason. "It’s definitely going to get intense [and] physical. I’m looking forward to it.” Over the last two years, the rivalry between Philly and Boston has gotten intense, and especially physical, which Scott, to no surprise, prefers.

On Wednesday, the reserve looks forward to the opener having similar results of last year's matchups because both teams understand just how much the other wants to start the season off with a bang, sending a message to the rest of the Eastern Conference. “It’s just two teams that are passionate [and] gritty," Scott continues.

"I know Boston [and] their fans, they go hard for their team. The same way Philly fans do as well. You know, [it's] just two teams ready to get after it. It’s not gonna be sexy. It’s not gonna be a smooth, finesse [type of] game. It’s always going to be a hard-nosed fought game. Those are the games I like.”

The crowd at the Wells Fargo Center will be thrilled to feed off of that 'gritty' energy Scott speaks about. As a guy who has built up a strong bond with the local fan base, Scott expects the crowd energy to match his teammates and opponents. "It will be great to see them," Scott says when talking about Sixers fans. "You know, out there yelling, cursing, [and] going crazy. They’ve always been loyal since I’ve been here. I definitely want to play great and help my team win."