76ers 2023-24 Season Thread Part 2

[phifans]

I see two distinct styles in Daryl Morey's trades: he rarely overpays, and he tends to acquire players who have the potential to excel beyond their current performance level within the team.

I don't envision this approach with an Ingram or Zion trade. Instead of surrendering cap space by trading for Ingram or Zion, it might be more beneficial to pursue a combination of players like Jalen Smith, Bruce Brown, or Miles Bridges, along with re-signing Tobias, DeRozan, or Klay to a favorable contract. This strategy allows for a blend of scoring, shot creation, length, athleticism, and spacing. Furthermore, retaining all draft picks provides flexibility to capitalize on future opportunities.

Agree on all except even the possibility of resigning Tobias, regardless of fit. He'll always represent the last vestiges of the disastrous post-Process management. Let us please move on.

I wouldn't dismiss all options. Tobias is better than almost all projected available free agents in the 2024 market. The talent arms race is highly competitive, and replacing him with inferior talent like Saddiq Bey could widen the gap between a team like the Celtics and us. Tobias has consistently been part of the best five-man unit with Embiid, so it's undeniable that he complements Embiid well. However, he can't be paired with an unathletic short forward like Tucker, as he was initially added with the idea of having an elite defensive lengthy wing like Ben Simmons paired with him in mind.

Without Embiid, we will need all the scoring and shot creation we can get, which Tobias can provide more consistently when surrounded by talents like Harden and Maxey, as demonstrated when he led the team to sweep the Nets in the 2023 playoffs. It's easy to suggest replacing him with someone like KJ Martin or Bey, but if the defense starts blitzing our guards and zoning us up, forcing players like KJ Martin or Bey to create offense or shoot, it will create problems for us.

Tobias Harris is effective as long as he can operate as the fourth option on offense (which we can achieve with Biid, Maxey, and Hield) and if we can pair him with one or two lengthy wings like Batum or Oubre (who have a +34 NetRtg with Tobias in the starting unit).

Few guys I'm ok to replace Tobi for this summer :

Miles Bridges (most likely candidate)
Mickal Bridges (maybe out of our bidding reach)
Siakam (re-sign with Indy)
OG (re-sign with NYK)
Markkanen (maybe out of our bidding reach)
PG (too expansive)

[Mik317]

Zion had the Pels as the best team in the league last year prior to getting hurt.

that alone will keep getting him chances IMO.

[ivysixer2000]

I see two distinct styles in Daryl Morey's trades: he rarely overpays, and he tends to acquire players who have the potential to excel beyond their current performance level within the team.

I don't envision this approach with an Ingram or Zion trade. Instead of surrendering cap space by trading for Ingram or Zion, it might be more beneficial to pursue a combination of players like Jalen Smith, Bruce Brown, or Miles Bridges, along with re-signing Tobias, DeRozan, or Klay to a favorable contract. This strategy allows for a blend of scoring, shot creation, length, athleticism, and spacing. Furthermore, retaining all draft picks provides flexibility to capitalize on future opportunities.

Agree on all except even the possibility of resigning Tobias, regardless of fit. He'll always represent the last vestiges of the disastrous post-Process management. Let us please move on.

I wouldn't dismiss all options. Tobias is better than almost all projected available free agents in the 2024 market. The talent arms race is highly competitive, and replacing him with inferior talent like Saddiq Bey could widen the gap between a team like the Celtics and us. Tobias has consistently been part of the best five-man unit with Embiid, so it's undeniable that he complements Embiid well. However, he can't be paired with an unathletic short forward like Tucker, as he was initially added with the idea of having an elite defensive lengthy wing like Ben Simmons paired with him in mind.

Without Embiid, we will need all the scoring and shot creation we can get, which Tobias can provide more consistently when surrounded by talents like Harden and Maxey, as demonstrated when he led the team to sweep the Nets in the 2023 playoffs. It's easy to suggest replacing him with someone like KJ Martin or Bey, but if the defense starts blitzing our guards and zoning us up, forcing players like KJ Martin or Bey to create offense or shoot, it will create problems for us.

Tobias Harris is effective as long as he can operate as the fourth option on offense (which we can achieve with Biid, Maxey, and Hield) and if we can pair him with one or two lengthy wings like Batum or Oubre (who have a +34 NetRtg with Tobias in the starting unit).

Well I'm not a Tobi fan, but its easy to see that the free agent market is drying up with the quickness. Kinda like when we signed Tobi to the contract he is on right now, we didn't really have any better options.

If he is the best we can get to sorta fit us, the only thing that matters is length of that contract. Detroit and others will compete for his services. I wish there was some magical perfect fit out there demanding to come to Philly, but if there is not, then we have to be prepared for everything that could happen in the free agent market......this isn't a fantasy team, in reality sometimes what you want isn't available or doesn't want to come to Philly.

Personally, I would have to be paid ALOT of money to come to Philly or Boston or NYC or wherever is up there. Its cold, and guess what I'm not rich at all and can make that decision. I'm sure in this league of millionaires, I can't help but think some think the same way.

[76ciology]

Agree on all except even the possibility of resigning Tobias, regardless of fit. He'll always represent the last vestiges of the disastrous post-Process management. Let us please move on.

I wouldn't dismiss all options. Tobias is better than almost all projected available free agents in the 2024 market. The talent arms race is highly competitive, and replacing him with inferior talent like Saddiq Bey could widen the gap between a team like the Celtics and us. Tobias has consistently been part of the best five-man unit with Embiid, so it's undeniable that he complements Embiid well. However, he can't be paired with an unathletic short forward like Tucker, as he was initially added with the idea of having an elite defensive lengthy wing like Ben Simmons paired with him in mind.

Without Embiid, we will need all the scoring and shot creation we can get, which Tobias can provide more consistently when surrounded by talents like Harden and Maxey, as demonstrated when he led the team to sweep the Nets in the 2023 playoffs. It's easy to suggest replacing him with someone like KJ Martin or Bey, but if the defense starts blitzing our guards and zoning us up, forcing players like KJ Martin or Bey to create offense or shoot, it will create problems for us.

Tobias Harris is effective as long as he can operate as the fourth option on offense (which we can achieve with Biid, Maxey, and Hield) and if we can pair him with one or two lengthy wings like Batum or Oubre (who have a +34 NetRtg with Tobias in the starting unit).

Few guys I'm ok to replace Tobi for this summer :

Miles Bridges (most likely candidate)
Mickal Bridges (maybe out of our bidding reach)
Siakam (re-sign with Indy)
OG (re-sign with NYK)
Markkanen (maybe out of our bidding reach)
PG (too expansive)

Im ok to replace him with all of the guys you’ve listed too.

[76ciology]

So Nic Batum and De'Anthony Melton can return as early as our next game against the Knicks. I expect us to start Batum and Tobias, then have Oubre and Martin or Council coming off the bench.

In this upcoming stretch up to the end of February, we're likely going to run with:

- Maxey/Lowry-Payne interchange
- Hield/Melton
- Tobias/Oubre
- Batum/Martin-Council interchange
- Reed/Bamba

While Maxey and Hield may not form as strong a 1-2 punch as upcoming teams like Brunson-Randle, Brown-Tatum, or Giannis-Lillard, they can match up well with them. I expect our starting unit to keep the game tight or even ahead, depending on how well we shoot. Then, I anticipate the bench play of Lowry, Melton, and Oubre giving us the extra punch we need.

Having played against the Cavs and the Heat, I believe we're well-prepared for the Knicks. Talent-wise and defensively, all three teams are on the same level. Batum's return should bolster our defense in pick and roll situations, where Oubre was lost and his absence was felt in defensive rotations. Tobias should provide a pressure release valve whenever teams blitz Maxey and Hield. Having Lowry gives us stability in response to the inconsistency of Cam Payne's play. Additionally, having Melton and Oubre instead of relying on the unproven KJ and Council should also help. I view the last three games as valuable experience, preparing us for this tough stretch starting with the Knicks.

[the_process]

I see two distinct styles in Daryl Morey's trades: he rarely overpays, and he tends to acquire players who have the potential to excel beyond their current performance level within the team.

I don't envision this approach with an Ingram or Zion trade. Instead of surrendering cap space by trading for Ingram or Zion, it might be more beneficial to pursue a combination of players like Jalen Smith, Bruce Brown, or Miles Bridges, along with re-signing Tobias, DeRozan, or Klay to a favorable contract. This strategy allows for a blend of scoring, shot creation, length, athleticism, and spacing. Furthermore, retaining all draft picks provides flexibility to capitalize on future opportunities.

Agree on all except even the possibility of resigning Tobias, regardless of fit. He'll always represent the last vestiges of the disastrous post-Process management. Let us please move on.

I wouldn't dismiss all options. Tobias is better than almost all projected available free agents in the 2024 market. The talent arms race is highly competitive, and replacing him with inferior talent like Saddiq Bey could widen the gap between a team like the Celtics and us. Tobias has consistently been part of the best five-man unit with Embiid, so it's undeniable that he complements Embiid well. However, he can't be paired with an unathletic short forward like Tucker, as he was initially added with the idea of having an elite defensive lengthy wing like Ben Simmons paired with him in mind.

Without Embiid, we will need all the scoring and shot creation we can get, which Tobias can provide more consistently when surrounded by talents like Harden and Maxey, as demonstrated when he led the team to sweep the Nets in the 2023 playoffs. It's easy to suggest replacing him with someone like KJ Martin or Bey, but if the defense starts blitzing our guards and zoning us up, forcing players like KJ Martin or Bey to create offense or shoot, it will create problems for us.

Tobias Harris is effective as long as he can operate as the fourth option on offense (which we can achieve with Biid, Maxey, and Hield) and if we can pair him with one or two lengthy wings like Batum or Oubre (who have a +34 NetRtg with Tobias in the starting unit).

No to all of this. We've seen Tobias for parts of six seasons now (feels like 27). Whatever theoretical skill set fit you think you see is a mirage, and this has been proven out again and again and again.

Sayonara Bookworm.

[76ciology]

Agree on all except even the possibility of resigning Tobias, regardless of fit. He'll always represent the last vestiges of the disastrous post-Process management. Let us please move on.

I wouldn't dismiss all options. Tobias is better than almost all projected available free agents in the 2024 market. The talent arms race is highly competitive, and replacing him with inferior talent like Saddiq Bey could widen the gap between a team like the Celtics and us. Tobias has consistently been part of the best five-man unit with Embiid, so it's undeniable that he complements Embiid well. However, he can't be paired with an unathletic short forward like Tucker, as he was initially added with the idea of having an elite defensive lengthy wing like Ben Simmons paired with him in mind.

Without Embiid, we will need all the scoring and shot creation we can get, which Tobias can provide more consistently when surrounded by talents like Harden and Maxey, as demonstrated when he led the team to sweep the Nets in the 2023 playoffs. It's easy to suggest replacing him with someone like KJ Martin or Bey, but if the defense starts blitzing our guards and zoning us up, forcing players like KJ Martin or Bey to create offense or shoot, it will create problems for us.

Tobias Harris is effective as long as he can operate as the fourth option on offense (which we can achieve with Biid, Maxey, and Hield) and if we can pair him with one or two lengthy wings like Batum or Oubre (who have a +34 NetRtg with Tobias in the starting unit).

No to all of this. We've seen Tobias for parts of six seasons now (feels like 27). Whatever theoretical skill set fit you think you see is a mirage, and this has been proven out again and again and again.

Sayonara Bookworm.

What I'm saying is that there are multiple ways to address our roster situation. This includes having someone like Tobias, whose stats would support his value as a plus player and a good fit for the team.

In my view, there are two other ways to replace Tobias during free agency:
1. Signing for a two-way star like Paul George or perhaps Siakam (perhaps because of his contract demand and his questionable shooting)

2. Seeking balance at the 3 and 4 positions, with signing a lengthy two-way forward who can shoot, such as Jalen Smith, paired with signing a scorer like Hayward or DeRozan.

You can't simply slot in non-shot creator at both the 3 and 4 positions because Embiid's availability is often in question. Therefore, we need a player who can function as the fourth option when Embiid is on the court and as the third option when he's not or is less engaged. Moreover, this player must be a good fit with the team in both scenarios.

Currently, we are running that scenario 2 with a balanced approach 3&4 positions, where we have Tobias paired with a lengthy two-way defender like Batum, Oubre, (sometimes be our back-up option if Tobi is in a slump) and possibly Roco if he’s healthy, or Council if his shooting translates well.

[76ciology]

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Agree with this. But the WHEN HEALTHY part is quite big.

[mjkvol]

I see two distinct styles in Daryl Morey's trades: he rarely overpays, and he tends to acquire players who have the potential to excel beyond their current performance level within the team.

I don't envision this approach with an Ingram or Zion trade. Instead of surrendering cap space by trading for Ingram or Zion, it might be more beneficial to pursue a combination of players like Jalen Smith, Bruce Brown, or Miles Bridges, along with re-signing Tobias, DeRozan, or Klay to a favorable contract. This strategy allows for a blend of scoring, shot creation, length, athleticism, and spacing. Furthermore, retaining all draft picks provides flexibility to capitalize on future opportunities.

Agree on all except even the possibility of resigning Tobias, regardless of fit. He'll always represent the last vestiges of the disastrous post-Process management. Let us please move on.

I wouldn't dismiss all options. Tobias is better than almost all projected available free agents in the 2024 market. The talent arms race is highly competitive, and replacing him with inferior talent like Saddiq Bey could widen the gap between a team like the Celtics and us. Tobias has consistently been part of the best five-man unit with Embiid, so it's undeniable that he complements Embiid well. However, he can't be paired with an unathletic short forward like Tucker, as he was initially added with the idea of having an elite defensive lengthy wing like Ben Simmons paired with him in mind.

Without Embiid, we will need all the scoring and shot creation we can get, which Tobias can provide more consistently when surrounded by talents like Harden and Maxey, as demonstrated when he led the team to sweep the Nets in the 2023 playoffs. It's easy to suggest replacing him with someone like KJ Martin or Bey, but if the defense starts blitzing our guards and zoning us up, forcing players like KJ Martin or Bey to create offense or shoot, it will create problems for us.

Tobias Harris is effective as long as he can operate as the fourth option on offense (which we can achieve with Biid, Maxey, and Hield) and if we can pair him with one or two lengthy wings like Batum or Oubre (who have a +34 NetRtg with Tobias in the starting unit).

Funny, but sometimes when I read your descriptions of Tobias the player, I wonder who the hell you're talking about. This is about creating a team that can compete for a championship, and except for the outlier Nets series you always reference, Tobias has been at best invisible, and at worst a liability in big games. Enough already.

Oh, and how much are you proposing to pay this guy and his delusional father/agent?

[76ciology]

Agree on all except even the possibility of resigning Tobias, regardless of fit. He'll always represent the last vestiges of the disastrous post-Process management. Let us please move on.

I wouldn't dismiss all options. Tobias is better than almost all projected available free agents in the 2024 market. The talent arms race is highly competitive, and replacing him with inferior talent like Saddiq Bey could widen the gap between a team like the Celtics and us. Tobias has consistently been part of the best five-man unit with Embiid, so it's undeniable that he complements Embiid well. However, he can't be paired with an unathletic short forward like Tucker, as he was initially added with the idea of having an elite defensive lengthy wing like Ben Simmons paired with him in mind.

Without Embiid, we will need all the scoring and shot creation we can get, which Tobias can provide more consistently when surrounded by talents like Harden and Maxey, as demonstrated when he led the team to sweep the Nets in the 2023 playoffs. It's easy to suggest replacing him with someone like KJ Martin or Bey, but if the defense starts blitzing our guards and zoning us up, forcing players like KJ Martin or Bey to create offense or shoot, it will create problems for us.

Tobias Harris is effective as long as he can operate as the fourth option on offense (which we can achieve with Biid, Maxey, and Hield) and if we can pair him with one or two lengthy wings like Batum or Oubre (who have a +34 NetRtg with Tobias in the starting unit).

Funny, but sometimes when I read your descriptions of Tobias the player, I wonder who the hell you're talking about. This is about creating a team that can compete for a championship, and except for the outlier Nets series you always reference, Tobias has been at best invisible, and at worst a liability in big games. Enough already.

Oh, and how much are you proposing to pay this guy and his delusional father/agent?

Actually, Tobias Harris has consistently performed well in most of our first-round series, with the Nets series in 2023 being no exception:

- 2019 Nets 1st round playoff series
- 2021 Wizards 1st round playoff series
- 2022 Raptors 1st round playoff series
- 2023 Nets 1st round playoff series

(*Note: 2020 was a fake playoff)

In all of these four playoffs, he’s been both a plus defender and a plus offensive player based on box plus minus. Over the last two years, he's maintained an almost 60% true shooting percentage, and over the last three years, he's shot 37-38% on 3-pointers.

This pattern exemplifies the saying, "People tend to remember your faults but forget your virtues."

As for how much we're going to pay him, I'm not a cap expert. However, I believe it should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and considered as a whole. For instance, if we can sign Paul George for the max, then the entire cap situation shifts, allowing us to focus less on acquiring a scorer and more on obtaining lengthy two-way role players. However, if we can't sign a star wing like Paul George and have to explore re-signing Tobias, then he should be signed, enabling us to secure at least two starting-caliber players (Jalen Smith and Bruce Brown?) using cap space, two-way contracts, etc.

[Negrodamus]

Speaking of fake playoffs, a top 3 seed’s first round is usually cannon fodder, unless the lower seed is the Heat.

Playing well against DLO’s Nets or Mikel Bridge’s Nets is not indicative of a player being an effective playoff guy.

[76ciology]

It's still a playoff, unlike in 2020 when most players reportedly just wanted to leave the bubble, and some teams didn't even participate. With only 22 of the 30 teams in the league involved.

If Tobias Harris were playing for the Lakers squad, replacing Kyle Kuzma as the third-best player, the Lakers would still have been NBA champions, much like what happened in 2020.

[mjkvol]

I wouldn't dismiss all options. Tobias is better than almost all projected available free agents in the 2024 market. The talent arms race is highly competitive, and replacing him with inferior talent like Saddiq Bey could widen the gap between a team like the Celtics and us. Tobias has consistently been part of the best five-man unit with Embiid, so it's undeniable that he complements Embiid well. However, he can't be paired with an unathletic short forward like Tucker, as he was initially added with the idea of having an elite defensive lengthy wing like Ben Simmons paired with him in mind.

Without Embiid, we will need all the scoring and shot creation we can get, which Tobias can provide more consistently when surrounded by talents like Harden and Maxey, as demonstrated when he led the team to sweep the Nets in the 2023 playoffs. It's easy to suggest replacing him with someone like KJ Martin or Bey, but if the defense starts blitzing our guards and zoning us up, forcing players like KJ Martin or Bey to create offense or shoot, it will create problems for us.

Tobias Harris is effective as long as he can operate as the fourth option on offense (which we can achieve with Biid, Maxey, and Hield) and if we can pair him with one or two lengthy wings like Batum or Oubre (who have a +34 NetRtg with Tobias in the starting unit).

Funny, but sometimes when I read your descriptions of Tobias the player, I wonder who the hell you're talking about. This is about creating a team that can compete for a championship, and except for the outlier Nets series you always reference, Tobias has been at best invisible, and at worst a liability in big games. Enough already.

Oh, and how much are you proposing to pay this guy and his delusional father/agent?

Actually, Tobias Harris has consistently performed well in most of our first-round series, with the Nets series in 2023 being no exception:

- 2019 Nets 1st round playoff series
- 2021 Wizards 1st round playoff series
- 2022 Raptors 1st round playoff series
- 2023 Nets 1st round playoff series

(*Note: 2020 was a fake playoff)

In all of these four playoffs, he’s been both a plus defender and a plus offensive player based on box plus minus. Over the last two years, he's maintained an almost 60% true shooting percentage, and over the last three years, he's shot 37-38% on 3-pointers.

This pattern exemplifies the saying, "People tend to remember your faults but forget your virtues."

As for how much we're going to pay him, I'm not a cap expert. However, I believe it should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and considered as a whole. For instance, if we can sign Paul George for the max, then the entire cap situation shifts, allowing us to focus less on acquiring a scorer and more on obtaining lengthy two-way role players. However, if we can't sign a star wing like Paul George and have to explore re-signing Tobias, then he should be signed, enabling us to secure at least two starting-caliber players (Jalen Smith and Bruce Brown?) using cap space, two-way contracts, etc.

Negrodamus beat me to it. I was going to ask what all four opponents had in common, and he nailed it.

[76ciology]

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I don't buy into this. Nobody on our team was chasing stats instead of the championship.

[Tony Franciosa]

How's that winning going under Doc, though?

[the_process]

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I don't buy into this. Nobody on our team was chasing stats instead of the championship.

Bev is not wrong about Embiid checking himself back into games while hobbled to chase his 30-10 streak.

I also find it interesting that the guy Bev apparently talked to was Tobias. You could certainly make an implication there if you were so inclined.

But mostly, dude is just sour Morey traded him.

[76ciology]

“Nobody really knows what’s gonna happen in June and July this year in the NBA … there’s an expectation that with the new CBA rules that punish teams for being second-apron teams, there’s gonna be a ton of movement and a lot of scrambling and that’s part of the Sixers calculus — to hold that cap space, to maintain flexibility so that if and when that happens, they’re ready to pounce.”

- KyleNeubeck

[Ben]

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I don't buy into this. Nobody on our team was chasing stats instead of the championship.

Bev is not wrong about Embiid checking himself back into games while hobbled to chase his 30-10 streak.

I also find it interesting that the guy Bev apparently talked to was Tobias. You could certainly make an implication there if you were so inclined.

But mostly, dude is just sour Morey traded him.

What did Bev say Tobi had said? Don't have time to listen to the podcast.

[76ciology]

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I don't buy into this. Nobody on our team was chasing stats instead of the championship.

Bev is not wrong about Embiid checking himself back into games while hobbled to chase his 30-10 streak.

I also find it interesting that the guy Bev apparently talked to was Tobias. You could certainly make an implication there if you were so inclined.

But mostly, dude is just sour Morey traded him.

What did Bev say Tobi had said? Don't have time to listen to the podcast.

I think Tobi asked Pat Bev whats the difference between Bucks and the 76ers

Tobi is probably trying to get intel from Pat Bev. Then, after that, he's probably going to call Jaden Springer.

[Jailblazers7]

Pat Bev is so full of ****. Dame can’t fight through a single screen but “everybody wants to win” lol

Embiid does deserve to get called out for his stat chasing behavior tho so I can’t get too mad about it.