Simmons, Harris, Embiid, Butler and Redick make form one of the most potent groups of high-IQ basketball players in Philly‘s starting line-up. They will require every last bit of talent on their squad as they face tough opponents in the playoffs in the Celtics, Bucks, and Raptors.
The Sixers have a respectable 38-21 (0.644) record as they enter the final stretch of the regular season, comfortably placing them in fourth place. Given that all five of their starters score at least 17 points every game, it is not shocking to believe that they are serious East Division competitors this year.
With equal to or greater skill than any other team in the East, can the Sixers make a decisive move and go to the NBA Finals?
Tobias Harris’ return to the Sixers was viewed by many as a competent but unspectacular decision. However, the Sixers’ decision to pursue the former Celtic Al Horford in free agency changed the arithmetic for the majority of people.
With Joel Embiid, they already possessed exceptional post-scoring capabilities. They gain Horford, a skilled pick-and-pop scorer whose presence can open up more room for Embiid and others. Horford strengthened the team’s defence overall, which wasn’t quite as strong as some had claimed.
Last season, Philly’s defensive rating was 109.0, which placed them 14th in the NBA. The only team with a lower defensive rating (110.1) than the Sixers last season were the Houston Rockets, who struggled on defence (109.0) Most people would consider this bunch to be a let-down if they didn’t make it to the Eastern Conference finals.
The Sixers off-season is still unfinished in some respects. Does Ben Simmons have a new home? Have ties to their All-Star playmaker been irreparably damaged? If so, will Philadelphia be able to obtain the allegedly high asking price? It is challenging to determine how far the 76ers may advance until that issue is resolved.
Head Coach: Doc Rivers
Assistant Coach: Dan Burkel, David Joerger, Eric Hughes, Sam Cassell, Jamie Young and Brian Adams
Trainer: Kevin Johnson
Crucial Arrivals
Georges Niang, Andre Drummond (C) (PF)
Vital Departures
Dwight Howard, George Hill (G), and (C)
Renewals and Extensions
Danny Green (SF) for two years at $20 million, Joel Embiid for four years at $196 million, and Furkan Korkmuz for three years at $15 million.
Probable starting line-up:
Ben Simmons (PG), Joel Embiid (C), Seth Curry (SG), Danny Green (SF), Tobias Harris (PF) (C). Drummond’s acquisition was a wise move, and the green deal offers excellent value. Although Philadelphia has talent, their depth and balance are often in doubt. The initial unit is reliable and actually good. Good backup players who can start or come off the bench include Shake Milton, Andre Drummond, Tyrese Maxey, Furkan Korkmuz and Matisse Thybulle.
It is impossible to fully assess the effect on the team’s chemistry and play, though, until the Simmons situation is settled.
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