76ers 2023-24 Season Thread Part 2

[stormi]

People worrying about Terry Rozier.

I get hating this team, let's just put some sort of a limit on it.

Dame-lite sort of acquisition. Rozier definitely makes the Heat a much more layered threat.

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Comparing both rosters, I don't think we're significantly better than them in a 7 game series, if at all.

[SixthStreet]

Yeah, acquiring Rozier does make them much more of a threat to us. It's hard to game the regular season away from the Heat side of the playoff bracket because they have such a wide range of final record with their demonstrated disdain for regular season performance.

That said, I think they push for the 6 seed to avoid the play in so we really should press to get the 2 seed from the Bucks so if the Heat are the 4, 5, or 6 seed we avoid them (or only have to play one of them or the Bucks).

[Arsenal]

Not worried about Rozier. He’ll give up as much as he gets. Frankly Lowry worries me more in a playoff series, although I don’t know how washed he is this season.

[76ciology]

The Heat have shown various ways to hide weak defenders, such as trapping and employing zone defense.

[76ciology]

I believe the Miami Heat are opting for the "two $20 million per year mid-talent players over one $40 million per year max talent player" strategy. Instead of going all-in for Dame, pursuing Rozier allows the Heat to potentially make another move. Perhaps targeting players like Jerami Grant, Caruso, or DFS could be part of their plan.

[Foshan]

I believe the Miami Heat are opting for the "two $20 million per year mid-talent players over one $40 million per year max talent player" strategy. Instead of going all-in for Dame, pursuing Rozier allows the Heat to potentially make another move. Perhaps targeting players like Jerami Grant, Caruso, or DFS could be part of their plan.

Yeah, i kinda like that route for us… I only see Paul George as being a ‘star’ worth going all in for, so if he extends, i think going Murray & Grant/Wiggins would make some sense rather than waiting for an offseason FA 3rd star

[76ciology]

There’s a real chance the Sixers’ path to a championship will be to defeat Jimmy Butler, then Doc Rivers, then Al Horford, then James Harden

[Embiid P]

There’s a real chance the Sixers’ path to a championship will be to defeat Jimmy Butler, then Doc Rivers, then Al Horford, then James Harden

Don't forget TJ McConnell, Jrue Holiday, PJ Tucker, DeAndre Jordan or Isaiah Joe.

[SixthStreet]

How does this team punish teams that play double big? We don't really have enough shooting and because of his contract the team is not willing to reduce Harris' minutes even when it would be something worth trying against that strategy.

I think that's something that holds us back a lot in the second round.

[76ciology]

How does this team punish teams that play double big? We don't really have enough shooting and because of his contract the team is not willing to reduce Harris' minutes even when it would be something worth trying against that strategy.

I think that's something that holds us back a lot in the second round.

Essentially, the plan is to have Biid and Tobi draw their defender out of the paint. And then have SF/PF players, currently Oubre-Batum-Tobi, to assume the 2-3-4 positions. They can then provide secondary help and collectively rebound on the defensive end. To enhance this strategy, we should consider acquiring more depth in the 2-3-4 wing positions. I believe we might be able to secure players like Caruso, Bruce Brown, or DFS at a more reasonable cost than their current asking prices.

[elchengue20]

I actually like the Rozier pickup for the Heat.

Doesnt mean they are now some kind of juggernaut and we cant beat them tho. But it's a nice pickup for them.

[Kolkmania]

How does this team punish teams that play double big? We don't really have enough shooting and because of his contract the team is not willing to reduce Harris' minutes even when it would be something worth trying against that strategy.

I think that's something that holds us back a lot in the second round.

I do think that not having Tucker in the line up helps a lot. He did shoot plenty threes against the Celtics, but he wasn't able to punish hard closeouts. Our alternatives wouldn't shoot at all (Reed) or were a massive defensive liability (Niang). Having Batum in that spot instead of Tucker would do wonders for our offense.

But one more reliable offensive option would definitely help us. Certainly when it's a secondary playmaker that can also move off the ball and shoot off screens.

[Jailblazers7]

I think we’re really starting to see the impact of the second apron on roster construction. A 3rd max contract sends you over the second apron, so that third star needs to be elite to make it worthwhile. Only true super team like the Heatles or KD/Kyrie/Harden Nets make sense now.

We might end up getting Gordon Hayward by default because we’re the only real contender under the 2nd apron. I think that will be a lesson that get internalized by front offices around the league.

[76ciology]

I think we’re really starting to see the impact of the second apron on roster construction. A 3rd max contract sends you over the second apron, so that third star needs to be elite to make it worthwhile. Only true super team like the Heatles or KD/Kyrie/Harden Nets make sense now.

We might end up getting Gordon Hayward by default because we’re the only real contender under the 2nd apron. I think that will be a lesson that get internalized by front offices around the league.

It would be intriguing to see how Daryl Morey shapes this team—whether he opts for a Big 3 roster or leans towards a Big 2 with two mid-tier players. Despite his apparent inclination toward a Big 3, it's noteworthy that many of his most successful teams have been structured around a Big 2, featuring two superstars complemented by quality role players.

[mjkvol]

I believe the Miami Heat are opting for the "two $20 million per year mid-talent players over one $40 million per year max talent player" strategy. Instead of going all-in for Dame, pursuing Rozier allows the Heat to potentially make another move. Perhaps targeting players like Jerami Grant, Caruso, or DFS could be part of their plan.

I've been hoping like hell that would be Morey's approach since the off season. Take a Nuggets/Heat like approach and build a deep group that is focused on playoff basketball.

[Negrodamus]

If we're just making a move to supplement the roster, I could see Lonnie Walker being the target. The KJ Martin + 2nd for Walker would make sense. He's shooting the lights out and has the ability to go nuts in a game. Also has less utilized ballhandling ability.

6'5 with a 6'10 wingspan. Also on a prove it contract that expires at the end of the year, so he'll be motivated.

[fkd215]

This is a cap question: if we traded all our expirings now for people with longer term contracts, does that give us ability to use more money than if we wait to use our cap space in the off-season? I.e. is there any cap advantage to either A.) trades now versus B.) signings and trades using cap space after the season? I don't understand well how the cap works now. Thanks.

[Skates]

The Heat have shown various ways to hide weak defenders, such as trapping and employing zone defense.

These are not your Doc Rivers Sixers that looked like they have never seen a zone defense before. This year we typically destroy zones and will only do so more if we can add another strong ballhandler.

[the_process]

If we're just making a move to supplement the roster, I could see Lonnie Walker being the target. The KJ Martin + 2nd for Walker would make sense. He's shooting the lights out and has the ability to go nuts in a game. Also has less utilized ballhandling ability.

6'5 with a 6'10 wingspan. Also on a prove it contract that expires at the end of the year, so he'll be motivated.

The Nets make a ton of sense to deal with. Don't they want to dump Dinwiddie too? He would make a very good backup ball handler, and he's expiring. Wonder what pick(s) it takes to turn Morris/Covington into Dinwiddie/Walker?

[Stanford]

Is Dinwiddie a guy we would/could play in the playoffs?