OT - the Sixers are turning the corner

[Nitwit]

They've won 3/4 and the narrow loss was a heartbreaker in Boston Gardens. What they've learned is they are most effective with the lineup of Iliasova at strong forward, McConnell at point, the Process (Embid) at Center,and Covington at the small forward. They are a decent defensive and rebounding team with theses players. They've also learned that both of the other big men, Okafor is expendable because of his lack of defense, and Nerlins Noel because of his contract situation, although he is proven to be a better sub for Embid because of his defensive presence and quicker game. Stauskas or Henderson at shooting guard are decent subs, and Sharic plays well off the bench at strong forward.

Ben Simmons is beginning to work out with the team and when he plays he may play point guard at 6-10 and the whole dynamic of the game may change with incredibly hard challenges for the opposition defense. Both Okafor and Noel appear to be on the trading block and conventional wisdom is that one of them will be traded for at least of a good draft pick in next year's guard rich draft, or for perhaps an older guard right now. I believe they already own some high first round picks in next year's draft due to Hickie's process. This will be an important and very interesting personnel decision. I personally hope they can find a way to keep Nerlins Noel to spell Embid especially while playing with Ben Simmons who is such a proficient passer. Both Noel and Embid need to be receiving assists closer to the rim and be less subject to turnovers and defensive attention when they start their play 20 feet away and have to put it on the floor in order to attack the basket. At this stage I think the team will sit and wait until Ben Simmons is playing so they can evaluate which if if not both of the Oakafor/Noel is like to be dealt. Anyway the point of my long winded post was just to inform that the lowly 76ers are beginning to assemble this bunch of talented assets into an actual team, and they are identifying who fits and who must go.. That is real progress and it shows. They have a huge hole to fill at point guard, and they also need to add a better perimeter shooter. in addition they need to get quality back in a trade of Okafor or Noel. The should be able to make these trades, and fill their deficiencies what they get in return or through next year's draft pics. That could result in an actual team of talented players which fit well together as a team. Still some important moves to make before we hand them a trophy but it appears that the glory years are close by finally.

 

[jrs1024]

Dude it's Ben Simmons. I like what you wrote and agree with most of the points, but you can't screw that one up.

 

[Nitwit]

Dude it's Ben Simmons. I like what you wrote and agree with most of the points, but you can't screw that one up.

Of course - thanks

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Nitwit - How's Embiid doing? Are 76er fans in his corner?

I thought he was a remarkable young raw talent in his one year at KU and his injury at year-end really hurt KU's hopes in the NCAAs.

Just curious as to your thoughts toward him, pro and / or con.....thanks!

 

[Nitwit]

Embid is still playing limited minutes but he is playing like an all star, putting up all star numbers in limited time while they continue to work him back slowly. He is a physical beast and he can dominate many players down low, but he is prone to play out of control sometimes and turn the ball over. There is still a lot of immaturity in his game and perhaps his personality. He is second on the team in 3 point shots and an excellent free throw shooter. He is a joy to watch and he clearly has a lot of fun when he plays. His physical size and space alters the offenses of the opposition who avoid going down low for fear of blocked shots. The challenge for the sixers is to now build the team around him. In a few years he may be the best player in the NBA - the next Hakeem Oljuwan.

 

[Grant Green]

Embid is still playing limited minutes but he is playing like an all star, putting up all star numbers in limited time while they continue to work him back slowly. He is a physical beast and he can dominate many players down low, but he is prone to play out of control sometimes and turn the ball over. There is still a lot of immaturity in his game and perhaps his personality. He is second on the team in 3 point shots and an excellent free throw shooter. He is a joy to watch and he clearly has a lot of fun when he plays. His physical size and space alters the offenses of the opposition who avoid going down low for fear of blocked shots. The challenge for the sixers is to now build the team around him. In a few years he may be the best player in the NBA - the next Hakeem Oljuwan.

Yeah. Embid is a man.
Interesting that they have been getting some big first half leads but but able to hold on. That will get fixed. Definitely looking a lot better lately.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Embid is still playing limited minutes but he is playing like an all star, putting up all star numbers in limited time while they continue to work him back slowly. He is a physical beast and he can dominate many players down low, but he is prone to play out of control sometimes and turn the ball over. There is still a lot of immaturity in his game and perhaps his personality. He is second on the team in 3 point shots and an excellent free throw shooter. He is a joy to watch and he clearly has a lot of fun when he plays. His physical size and space alters the offenses of the opposition who avoid going down low for fear of blocked shots. The challenge for the sixers is to now build the team around him. In a few years he may be the best player in the NBA - the next Hakeem Oljuwan.

Thanks, glad he's doing well. He was so very young when he was at KU and hadn't played much basketball before he got to Lawrence.....but he was very truly a joy to watch and you knew that if he could stay healthy he'd be a special player someday.

 

[harjeff]

Need to get that Point Guard playing up in Washington for the Huskies (Markel Fultz) in the draft and another good SG and they should be a playoff team and a title contender in a few yrs once these guys develop and play together for a while.

 

[Ian]

I give you credit for hanging in with this organization. Talk about dumpster fires. How long has it been since they were competitive? How many #1's have the messed up? Simmons might be the biggest star and let's hope he isn't a bust or it will set them back another 5 years. Embid, Noel, and Okafur are close to it.

 

[Judge Smails]

I give you credit for hanging in with this organization. Talk about dumpster fires. How long has it been since they were competitive? How many #1's have the messed up? Simmons might be the biggest star and let's hope he isn't a bust or it will set them back another 5 years. Embid, Noel, and Okafur are close to it.

Embiid is a bust? WHAT?

Of all rookies of all time, he is only behind Wilt Chamberlain in points per 36 minutes.

They have their own #1 pick this year as well as the Lakers as long as it stays out of the Top 3. They are in great shape.

 

[royboy]

What's up with Okafor? Not getting any playing time -- injured or coaches moving him down the lineup?

Thought he could be a pretty good pro -- low block scorer, etc. Maybe he needs to go somewhere else?

 

[heckmans]

I haven't been following them, but my father believes the Sixers will be the next Philly team to reach the finals of their respective leagues. Okafor probably needs to be traded this year for a SG/SF and hopefully they can fill the remaining hole in the draft or through FA/trade.

 

[mrtailgate]

This is a messed up franchise, worthy of Cleveland Browns ridicule. Only the Sixers can get top of the draft assets and completely screw the pooch. Conventional wisdom is that the NBA is dramatically and forever changed, favoring small and quick. Only the Spurs managed to be an elite team featuring a big (Duncan) while the other more recent dominant teams such as Cleveland, Golden State, OKC were built on athletic smalls with players who could all handle and were interchangeable to some extent.

What did the Sixers do but draft bigs for three straight years in complete contradictory fashion. Now they are left with a player (Noel) who has been openly critical of the organization and can't wait to flee and another (Okafor) who is the league's ALL TIME worst defensive player (based on plus minus) who is buried on the bench recently as a Coach's DNP decision. And the Sixers expect to get value for either or both in trade? Pundits and people a lot smarter than me have scratched their heads with the draft day decision making of the Sixers and have been open in their view that a team featuring three bigs would NEVER work. But the Sixers kept plodding along.

So, they have tanked forever and what has it yielded? A big who is still a huge injury risk and a player who is currently hurt who seems destined to want a different market when he is able to move. At least the draft of Simmons was in line though with the current player that excels in the NBA. There is still some talk, NOT on how you manage multiple bigs but on playing a game with just Embiid, given the current makeup of the NBA. It's not just multiple, it's how to construct and manage one. A lot of people who rave about Embiid say they wish he came along 10 years ago when the NBA was a different league so that his place and skills could be better suited.

All we have heard about is how great Brown is at managing and developing talent. He seems completely befuddled on the bigs and likely has turned both Noel and Okafor into under achievers who will deliver 2nd round picks in return as players who at one time were viewed as being potentially the best players in their draft class.

The Sixers are a dumpster fire, a hot mess, whatever you want to call them. You want a case study on a screwed up franchise, they are front and center.

TRUST THE PROCESS!!!

 

[Judge Smails]

This is a messed up franchise, worthy of Cleveland Browns ridicule. Only the Sixers can get top of the draft assets and completely screw the pooch. Conventional wisdom is that the NBA is dramatically and forever changed, favoring small and quick. Only the Spurs managed to be an elite team featuring a big (Duncan) while the other more recent dominant teams such as Cleveland, Golden State, OKC were built on athletic smalls with players who could all handle and were interchangeable to some extent.

What did the Sixers do but draft bigs for three straight years in complete contradictory fashion. Now they are left with a player (Noel) who has been openly critical of the organization and can't wait to flee and another (Okafor) who is the league's ALL TIME worst defensive player (based on plus minus) who is buried on the bench recently as a Coach's DNP decision. And the Sixers expect to get value for either or both in trade? Pundits and people a lot smarter than me have scratched their heads with the draft day decision making of the Sixers and have been open in their view that a team featuring three bigs would NEVER work. But the Sixers kept plodding along.

So, they have tanked forever and what has it yielded? A big who is still a huge injury risk and a player who is currently hurt who seems destined to want a different market when he is able to move. At least the draft of Simmons was in line though with the current player that excels in the NBA. There is still some talk, NOT on how you manage multiple bigs but on playing a game with just Embiid, given the current makeup of the NBA. It's not just multiple, it's how to construct and manage one. A lot of people who rave about Embiid say they wish he came along 10 years ago when the NBA was a different league so that his place and skills could be better suited.

All we have heard about is how great Brown is at managing and developing talent. He seems completely befuddled on the bigs and likely has turned both Noel and Okafor into under achievers who will deliver 2nd round picks in return as players who at one time were viewed as being potentially the best players in their draft class.

The Sixers are a dumpster fire, a hot mess, whatever you want to call them. You want a case study on a screwed up franchise, they are front and center.

TRUST THE PROCESS!!!

I'm going to save this post.

 

[Dr. Evel]

Good stuff, Nitwit (not casting aspersions, just using your name...). Expanding on what you said:

Simmons will be the point guard. I think they are pretty set on that. That will completely change the dynamic, as they are currently a very imbalanced team. There will be some growing pains, but the Embiid/Simmons pairing will be remarkable. Let's just hope they stay healthy.

Simmons has all of the strengths and weaknesses that Magic Johnson (or Magic's Johnson as he is known in my house) had when he came out. Great size, vision, ability to rebound; not a very good shooter or defender.

I don't think Noel or Okafor will be there this time next year. They like Holmes a lot, and Saric can fill in the middle for a few minutes against most teams.

They still don't have enough NBA quality players, but they will.

The jury is out on Brett Brown. Seems like a nice guy who has been a really good soldier. Some of the issues with closing out games can be attributable to coaching. I think they want to let him have at least half a year with Simmons to show what he can do. For pretty much his entire tenure, he has been coaching with one hand behind his back.

 

[mrtailgate]

I'm going to save this post.

I understand your response and this draft might yield exactly what they need since it is guard heavy, but what they have done for the last 5 years is CRIMINAL. The drafting of bigs for 3 straight years was inexcusable. I am a big proponent of the idea of sticking all the monkeys in a room full of typewriters and eventually realizing you get War and Peace but this has been laughable. Not one attempt at getting NBA level guards and practicing insanity with bigs and trying to bang triangles into square holes.

They are going to turn Noel and Okafor into ZILCH. That was hard to envision that outcome when they were drafted.

This is the team that traded Wilt, traded Barkley, screwed up their chances at Walton, traded the rights to Daugherty to get slop, etc. Nobody should be surprised if it ends in a train wreck.

 

[tboyer]

The reason for this whole thread is that Embiid, if his foot holds up, if he can stay healthy, is an NBA superstar. He's that good. They build a team around him, they not just make the playoffs, they go deep into the playoffs. If they can land a shooter, and bring Simmons into the lineup, they could be one of the NBA's elite franchises. So three seasons of Hinkie flop actually worked.

 

[cjrugger]

Wins over the 2 worst teams in the league certainly signal the glory days are right around the corner

 

[rudedude]

My son is going tomorrow for the battle of The Process vs. The Unicorn. (Embiid vs Porzingas)

 

[Judge Smails]

I understand your response and this draft might yield exactly what they need since it is guard heavy, but what they have done for the last 5 years is CRIMINAL. The drafting of bigs for 3 straight years was inexcusable. I am a big proponent of the idea of sticking all the monkeys in a room full of typewriters and eventually realizing you get War and Peace but this has been laughable. Not one attempt at getting NBA level guards and practicing insanity with bigs and trying to bang triangles into square holes.

They are going to turn Noel and Okafor into ZILCH. That was hard to envision that outcome when they were drafted.

This is the team that traded Wilt, traded Barkley, screwed up their chances at Walton, traded the rights to Daugherty to get slop, etc. Nobody should be surprised if it ends in a train wreck.

Well, they are playing this year without Simmons so far. They have found what looks to be a potential hall of fame talent in Embiid. They need to find three superstars. One, Embiid. Two, we'll have to see about Simmons. Then they have two shots in the upcoming draft, one of the best drafts in a long time. They sit at #2, the Lakers pick sits at #7 (last I looked). Then you have free agency, and whatever you can get for Okafor and/or Noel. Saric has been the 2nd best rookie in the NBA behind Embiid, as well.

If you don't like the losing it took to get to this place, don't watch. No one is forcing you. It's been over 30 years since the Sixers won their last championship. Better to do what the Sixers did, bottoming out, then forever being on the treadmill of a mediocre team.

I'm excited about where they are and their future.

 

[Obliviax]

This is a messed up franchise, worthy of Cleveland Browns ridicule. Only the Sixers can get top of the draft assets and completely screw the pooch. Conventional wisdom is that the NBA is dramatically and forever changed, favoring small and quick. Only the Spurs managed to be an elite team featuring a big (Duncan) while the other more recent dominant teams such as Cleveland, Golden State, OKC were built on athletic smalls with players who could all handle and were interchangeable to some extent.

What did the Sixers do but draft bigs for three straight years in complete contradictory fashion. Now they are left with a player (Noel) who has been openly critical of the organization and can't wait to flee and another (Okafor) who is the league's ALL TIME worst defensive player (based on plus minus) who is buried on the bench recently as a Coach's DNP decision. And the Sixers expect to get value for either or both in trade? Pundits and people a lot smarter than me have scratched their heads with the draft day decision making of the Sixers and have been open in their view that a team featuring three bigs would NEVER work. But the Sixers kept plodding along.

So, they have tanked forever and what has it yielded? A big who is still a huge injury risk and a player who is currently hurt who seems destined to want a different market when he is able to move. At least the draft of Simmons was in line though with the current player that excels in the NBA. There is still some talk, NOT on how you manage multiple bigs but on playing a game with just Embiid, given the current makeup of the NBA. It's not just multiple, it's how to construct and manage one. A lot of people who rave about Embiid say they wish he came along 10 years ago when the NBA was a different league so that his place and skills could be better suited.

All we have heard about is how great Brown is at managing and developing talent. He seems completely befuddled on the bigs and likely has turned both Noel and Okafor into under achievers who will deliver 2nd round picks in return as players who at one time were viewed as being potentially the best players in their draft class.

The Sixers are a dumpster fire, a hot mess, whatever you want to call them. You want a case study on a screwed up franchise, they are front and center.

TRUST THE PROCESS!!!

i agree...to a point. The NBA has become an 'inside/outside' game. You have a couple of guys that can drive to the hoop and then dish it to the guy guarded by the defender that was forced to help in the paint. Cavs just picked up Korver, from ATL, for just that use.

But those guys in the paint are the key to the franchise. Embid is an all star. If not this year, soon (assuming he stays healthy). You can't stop him one on one. 76ers need to develop a "stretch four" or sniper at the 3. That way, when someone crashes to double Embid, he can hit the teammate on the wing who is left unguarded.

Cavs have James and Kyrie crashing the paint. Then they hit JR or Love on the wing. Their other guy is a defensive specialist. James is the best power forward ever, so its a bit easier for them.

 

[tboyer]

I understand your response and this draft might yield exactly what they need since it is guard heavy, but what they have done for the last 5 years is CRIMINAL. The drafting of bigs for 3 straight years was inexcusable.

I think in their defense, even high No. 1 picks don't guarantee a great player. Now it is apparent that they made the right pick with Embiid, but they had to wait three years to see if his foot would heal. Noel and Okafor were basically drafted as insurance, and with the assumption that they could trade them for guards (which may be true in Okafor's case). Noel is a keeper as a backup center, but Okafor will be a journeyman NBA player and can be traded now. Embiid and Simmons are the real thing. Really the Sixers just need a shooter or two and this will be the best BB Philly has seen in a very, very long time. Next season is going to be very interesting if Embiid can stay healthy.

 

[mrtailgate]

I think in their defense, even high No. 1 picks don't guarantee a great player. Now it is apparent that they made the right pick with Embiid, but they had to wait three years to see if his foot would heal. Noel and Okafor were basically drafted as insurance, and with the assumption that they could trade them for guards (which may be true in Okafor's case). Noel is a keeper as a backup center, but Okafor will be a journeyman NBA player and can be traded now. Embiid and Simmons are the real thing. Really the Sixers just need a shooter or two and this will be the best BB Philly has seen in a very, very long time. Next season is going to be very interesting if Embiid can stay healthy.

I guess all I am saying is that the NBA doesn't run its game through a low post player anymore with any level of success. Read the Sunday Philly Inquirer article where even Brown says that they will have to find a system to make it work with Embiid. You have a guy that has a BAD injury risk being asked to get up and down the court as well.

I hope it works and I think that you will know pretty quickly what is there when Simmons gets back and into the mix. If it works, I don't think Embiid is the focus, it will be Simmons. Embiid will be a rim protector, same with Noel. Simmons will have the ball in his hands a lot and ultimately dictate the flow. It won't be an offense where they spread out with goal of dumping inside to Embiid.

The biggest issue I have had is Okafor. He was NOT what you needed, has no ability to check anyone, and seems to be a kid with some baggage as well. So they drafted him figuring out that they could turn him into the top guard they wanted? The one positive is that they have money to attract a top flight free agent. How Simmons plays and who they are able to buy will go a long way.

 

[duber]

This is a messed up franchise, worthy of Cleveland Browns ridicule. Only the Sixers can get top of the draft assets and completely screw the pooch. Conventional wisdom is that the NBA is dramatically and forever changed, favoring small and quick. Only the Spurs managed to be an elite team featuring a big (Duncan) while the other more recent dominant teams such as Cleveland, Golden State, OKC were built on athletic smalls with players who could all handle and were interchangeable to some extent.

What did the Sixers do but draft bigs for three straight years in complete contradictory fashion. Now they are left with a player (Noel) who has been openly critical of the organization and can't wait to flee and another (Okafor) who is the league's ALL TIME worst defensive player (based on plus minus) who is buried on the bench recently as a Coach's DNP decision. And the Sixers expect to get value for either or both in trade? Pundits and people a lot smarter than me have scratched their heads with the draft day decision making of the Sixers and have been open in their view that a team featuring three bigs would NEVER work. But the Sixers kept plodding along.

So, they have tanked forever and what has it yielded? A big who is still a huge injury risk and a player who is currently hurt who seems destined to want a different market when he is able to move. At least the draft of Simmons was in line though with the current player that excels in the NBA. There is still some talk, NOT on how you manage multiple bigs but on playing a game with just Embiid, given the current makeup of the NBA. It's not just multiple, it's how to construct and manage one. A lot of people who rave about Embiid say they wish he came along 10 years ago when the NBA was a different league so that his place and skills could be better suited.

All we have heard about is how great Brown is at managing and developing talent. He seems completely befuddled on the bigs and likely has turned both Noel and Okafor into under achievers who will deliver 2nd round picks in return as players who at one time were viewed as being potentially the best players in their draft class.

The Sixers are a dumpster fire, a hot mess, whatever you want to call them. You want a case study on a screwed up franchise, they are front and center.

TRUST THE PROCESS!!!

wrong only a matter of time now. Like next year playoffs!!

 

[bison13]

You need guards that can score, they have none. The probably wont get Fultz but if they can get Monk from Kentucky, that would be huge.

 

[Judge Smails]

I guess all I am saying is that the NBA doesn't run its game through a low post player anymore with any level of success. Read the Sunday Philly Inquirer article where even Brown says that they will have to find a system to make it work with Embiid. You have a guy that has a BAD injury risk being asked to get up and down the court as well.

I hope it works and I think that you will know pretty quickly what is there when Simmons gets back and into the mix. If it works, I don't think Embiid is the focus, it will be Simmons. Embiid will be a rim protector, same with Noel. Simmons will have the ball in his hands a lot and ultimately dictate the flow. It won't be an offense where they spread out with goal of dumping inside to Embiid.

It's already working with Embiid.

Smallwood: By the numbers, Embiid is an All-Star-caliber player

 

[psuro]

If and when the Sixers take off, they could be good for a sustainable amount of time, pending contracts and injuries.

 

[tboyer]

The biggest issue I have had is Okafor. He was NOT what you needed, has no ability to check anyone, and seems to be a kid with some baggage as well. So they drafted him figuring out that they could turn him into the top guard they wanted? The one positive is that they have money to attract a top flight free agent. How Simmons plays and who they are able to buy will go a long way.

Look at the draft, and keep in mind, at the time, many people (including me) thought Embiid's foot was about as likely to heal as Sam Bowie's or Bill Walton's. But in the end medical science won and found a way to fix something that couldn't be fixed a decade ago.

Anyway, if you keep in mind that Embiid had maybe a 40% chance of ever playing, Okafor was by far the best option in that draft. His lack of defensive skills was known, and, to be fair, that is something that can be improved.

Still, if Embiid breaks his foot next week (and that is STILL a possibility), Philly's best option will be to keep Okafor (who has low post skills but doesn't play defense) and Noel (who doesn't play much offense).

Of course Philly, if they could see the future, could have drafted a shooting guard. But they had to get the big man first. Anyone around for the Iverson years remembers -- you can have an entertaining team with a brilliant guard, but you don't go far in the playoffs without a superstar in the paint.

 

[getmyjive11]

Hinkie!

 

[coveydidnt]

Only 7 games out ofva playoff spot, and from there anything can happen.

I kind of was hoping they'd be bad this year for one more sweet draft pick. If they win the championship this year, a year too early, it will mess the whole thing up. That would be typical Philadelphia bad luck.

 

[cjrugger]

Of course Philly, if they could see the future, could have drafted a shooting guard. But they had to get the big man first. Anyone around for the Iverson years remembers -- you can have an entertaining team with a brilliant guard, but you don't go far in the playoffs without a superstar in the paint.

Right, who could forget that epic matchup of big men in last years finals: Tristian Thompson vs Anderson Varejao. I'll be telling my grandkids about that one

 

[Judge Smails]

Right, who could forget that epic matchup of big men in last years finals: Tristian Thompson vs Anderson Varejao. I'll be telling my grandkids about that one

Embiid is averaging over 27 points per game over 36 minutes. Not sure what the argument is here. "Big men can't score much in current NBA climate?" Uh, he's doing it. And shooting 37% from 3 as a 7'2" guy. Think he'll be ok.

 

[cjrugger]

Embiid is averaging over 27 points per game over 36 minutes. Not sure what the argument is here. "Big men can't score much in current NBA climate?" Uh, he's doing it. And shooting 37% from 3 as a 7'2" guy. Think he'll be ok.

My argument is with the post I quoted:
'but you don't go far in the playoffs without a superstar in the paint.'

 

[psuro]

Only 7 games out ofva playoff spot, and from there anything can happen.

I kind of was hoping they'd be bad this year for one more sweet draft pick. If they win the championship this year, a year too early, it will mess the whole thing up. That would be typical Philadelphia bad luck.

Yeah that ain't going to happen.

 

[Cletus11]

Embid is playing like an All Star and appears to have the potential to be a dominating center. Kind of player you can build a team around.

Okafur I think is just not playing hard because he knows Embid is now the franchise and at 20 years old (or whatever age he is being only his second year in the NBA after on and done) he is still immature. If I was another franchise, I would take a flyer on Okafur assuming it doesn't cost that much. Play him at the power forward position and assume the first two years with the Sixers he learned something and is a little older now. But the Sixers have no need for him now, I think if anything it is probably a bad situation as Okafur knows he is going to be traded so he isn't all there right now.

I agree that keeping Nerlens would be interesting, but Nerlens is not going to stay to be a bench player, so that won't happen.

The next question the Sixers have to wrestle with once Simmons comes back is if Brett is the right coach long term for them or not.

 

[Jerademan74]

They've won 3/4 and the narrow loss was a heartbreaker in Boston Gardens. What they've learned is they are most effective with the lineup of Iliasova at strong forward, McConnell at point, the Process (Embid) at Center,and Covington at the small forward. They are a decent defensive and rebounding team with theses players. They've also learned that both of the other big men, Okafor is expendable because of his lack of defense, and Nerlins Noel because of his contract situation, although he is proven to be a better sub for Embid because of his defensive presence and quicker game. Stauskas or Henderson at shooting guard are decent subs, and Sharic plays well off the bench at strong forward.

Ben Simmons is beginning to work out with the team and when he plays he may play point guard at 6-10 and the whole dynamic of the game may change with incredibly hard challenges for the opposition defense. Both Okafor and Noel appear to be on the treading block and conventional wisdom is that one of them will be traded for at least of a good draft pick in next year's guard rich draft, or for perhaps an older guard right now. I believe they already own some high first round picks in next year's draft due to Hickie's process. This will be an important and very interesting personnel decision. I personally hope they can find a way to keep Nerlins Noel to spell Embid especially while playing with Ben Simmons who is such a proficient passer. Both Noel and Embid need to be receiving assists closer to the rim and be less subject to turnovers and defensive attention when they start their play 20 feet away and have to put it on the floor in order to attack the basket. At this stage I think the team will sit and wait until Ben Simmons is playing so they can evaluate which if if not both of the Oakafor/Noel is like to be dealt. Anyway the point of my long winded post was just to inform that the lowly 76ers are beginning to assemble this bunch of talented assets into an actual team, and they are identifying who fits and who must go.. That is real progress and it shows. They have a huge hole to fill at point guard, and they also need to add a better perimeter shooter. in addition they need to get quality back in a trade of Okafor or Noel. The should be able to make these trades, and fill their deficiencies what they get in return or through next year's draft pics. That could result in an actual team of talented players which fit well together as a team. Still some important moves to make before we hand them a trophy but it appears that the glory years are close by finally.

View embedded media

View embedded media

View embedded media

But is the corner they are turning the corner of K & A? I used to live there. If so, they are going to have a rough time of it

 

[dbsteel]

Embid is playing like an All Star and appears to have the potential to be a dominating center. Kind of player you can build a team around.

Okafur I think is just not playing hard because he knows Embid is now the franchise and at 20 years old (or whatever age he is being only his second year in the NBA after on and done) he is still immature. If I was another franchise, I would take a flyer on Okafur assuming it doesn't cost that much. Play him at the power forward position and assume the first two years with the Sixers he learned something and is a little older now. But the Sixers have no need for him now, I think if anything it is probably a bad situation as Okafur knows he is going to be traded so he isn't all there right now.

I agree that keeping Nerlens would be interesting, but Nerlens is not going to stay to be a bench player, so that won't happen.

The next question the Sixers have to wrestle with once Simmons comes back is if Brett is the right coach long term for them or not.

If Okafor could play as a power forward, he'd be doing that with the Sixers. He doesn't have shooting range. And he can't defend a PF. You are right, he does need to go, but for someone who wants a center.

 

[Pocky]

I understand your response and this draft might yield exactly what they need since it is guard heavy, but what they have done for the last 5 years is CRIMINAL. The drafting of bigs for 3 straight years was inexcusable. I am a big proponent of the idea of sticking all the monkeys in a room full of typewriters and eventually realizing you get War and Peace but this has been laughable. Not one attempt at getting NBA level guards and practicing insanity with bigs and trying to bang triangles into square holes.

They are going to turn Noel and Okafor into ZILCH. That was hard to envision that outcome when they were drafted.

This is the team that traded Wilt, traded Barkley, screwed up their chances at Walton, traded the rights to Daugherty to get slop, etc. Nobody should be surprised if it ends in a train wreck.

How exactly do you come up with 5 years? Hinkie was hired in May 2013, stepped down April 2016.

Everything Hinkie did was opposite of the way old Sixers regimes were run, so one would think you could recognize that.

Hinkie made a mistake drafting Okafor. I'm quite certain he took what he thought was the player with the most value in order to flip him in a package to land a superstar later. In hindsight, he should've drafted Porzingis.

Hinkie's other fatal mistake was admitting to tanking-- being honest to a fault. Teams in the NBA have been tanking for as far back as I can remember, it's nothing new. In fact, Pat Riley is doing it this year, but is not stupid enough to admit it. It really is the smartest strategy in a sport with only 5 starters, but you don't just come out and say it.

 

[mrtailgate]

How exactly do you come up with 5 years? Hinkie was hired in May 2013, stepped down April 2016.

Everything Hinkie did was opposite of the way old Sixers regimes were run, so one would think you could recognize that.

Hinkie made a mistake drafting Okafor. I'm quite certain he took what he thought was the player with the most value in order to flip him in a package to land a superstar later. In hindsight, he should've drafted Porzingis.

Hinkie's other fatal mistake was admitting to tanking-- being honest to a fault. Teams in the NBA have been tanking for as far back as I can remember, it's nothing new. In fact, Pat Riley is doing it this year, but is not stupid enough to admit it. It really is the smartest strategy in a sport with only 5 starters, but you don't just come out and say it.

OK, I meant 4 years counting this one, not much difference. I am not sure ANY team has EVER done what this franchise has done, to the point that the league has expressed concern and measures to prevent in the future. Sure the Spurs did it to position themselves more favorably for Duncan, but the Sixers have stolen people's money for a long time. You do this, give back TV money and let people come to your games for free.

Never happened you might say? Well back in the say and you might not bekieve this but the Dolphins would let people in for free at half time. That was when Flipper in the pool in the end zone was the big attraction.

I think the Sixers thought they could do a deal with Celtics. Whatever gave them the idea is beyond me. They thought they were going to bend Danny Ainge over?!? Not in their life time.

 

[21Guns]

Tim Curley copyrighted the rights to "Turning the corner" a long time ago, during the DeChellis era. You'll be hearing from his lawyers soon...