The Liberty Bell and cheesesteak might be the only two things in this world more synonymous with Philadelphia than Will Smith.
The A-list actor and four-time Grammy award winner hails from West Philadelphia, born and raised. Growing up, on the playground is where he spent most of his days. (See what I did there?)
He's also part-owner of his beloved 76ers, so the team couldn't have had anyone better to address its roster of young talent, including 2016 No. 1 overall draft pick Ben Simmons, 2015 No. 3 pick Jahlil Okafor (17.5 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.2 bpg last season) and Nerlens Noel at training camp.
Smith, most popular for his role as, well, Will Smith, in the classic '90s sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and as half the old-school rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, addressed the squad as it began preparations for its 2016-17 NBA campaign. He left a lasting impression on the lads, who are endeavoring to improve upon one of the losingest seasons in NBA history . Smith, who turned 48 Sunday, dropped words of wisdom and encouragement.
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And they all soaked it in.
"I was great. It was a lot of fun," Okafor said. "Will Smith is my favorite celebrity, my favorite actor. That was my first time ever meeting him, and it was great to hear him speak."
See what more members of the team had to say about Big Willie Style in the video below, courtesy of CSN Philly.
The Sixers need every pep talk they can get after finishing 10-72 last season, the third-worst record in NBA history.
They face the Thunder at home on Oct. 26 in their season opener.