76ers 2023-24 Season Thread Part 1

[Stanford]

How do you guys find it?

I find it to be cringey

[youtube] https://youtu.be/Z3uUU-574sQ?si=iT_A-626Hq2W7INR[/youtube]

Lauren Rosen makes everything needlessly uncomfortable.

[Embiid P]

Then some people criticise me for the obvious. Joel has extraordinary conditions, he has everything to be the best, but he is not a leader, and you can't rely on him in key moments.

The Cameroonian went for 32 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks last night against the Cavaliers, but missed the shot that would have prevented overtime and scored just two in a 119-122 overtime win for Cleveland. As a result, the Philadelphia 76ers are now eliminated from the In-Season Tournament.

In my humble opinion, Embiid and the Sixers need a leader, and until we get one, we will always be contenders, but never champions.

How many other centers in today's NBA are counted upon to make the last shot in a tie game or when trailing by 1 or 2 points? Even with Jokic, I honestly can't recall a time when he hit a game winner at the end. Ideally our center should not be the guy taking the last shot unless it's a putback off a miss.

Hopefully it's Maxey but his constant deference to Embiid at the end of a tight game is a bit of a concern. IMO if it isn't Maxey, it should be Oubre (when he returns) at least until we bring someone else in for that role.

[billy bremner]

Then some people criticise me for the obvious. Joel has extraordinary conditions, he has everything to be the best, but he is not a leader, and you can't rely on him in key moments.

The Cameroonian went for 32 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks last night against the Cavaliers, but missed the shot that would have prevented overtime and scored just two in a 119-122 overtime win for Cleveland. As a result, the Philadelphia 76ers are now eliminated from the In-Season Tournament.

In my humble opinion, Embiid and the Sixers need a leader, and until we get one, we will always be contenders, but never champions.

Agreed, Jimmy Butler should be that guy. Too little too late, now

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

Lol! People using the in-season tournament and how losing it is so terrible to push an agenda. Cmon man, last year this was just another loss. With that said, I like the tournament, I think it's creating some competitive play and that's all we wanted. The regular season became a slog of just going through the motions and this kills that. I think it gives teams an early look at what they truly need to win in a playoff setting and if they have what it takes or not. However, I'm not going to use losing the in-season tournament as an excuse to push a narrative about leadership and dog mentalities.

I think the in season tournament exposed things that we already knew about us. #1 that Joel is not built to close games, #2 we don't have enough bench depth, #3 we desperately need a top-flight 2-way wing to complete this team. At this point there should be no reservations about what we are or aren't. Morey also has plenty of time to address these issues either by the trade deadline, or in the offseason.

[youngcrev]

Then some people criticise me for the obvious. Joel has extraordinary conditions, he has everything to be the best, but he is not a leader, and you can't rely on him in key moments.

The Cameroonian went for 32 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks last night against the Cavaliers, but missed the shot that would have prevented overtime and scored just two in a 119-122 overtime win for Cleveland. As a result, the Philadelphia 76ers are now eliminated from the In-Season Tournament.

In my humble opinion, Embiid and the Sixers need a leader, and until we get one, we will always be contenders, but never champions.

How many other centers in today's NBA are counted upon to make the last shot in a tie game or when trailing by 1 or 2 points? Even with Jokic, I honestly can't recall a time when he hit a game winner at the end. Ideally our center should not be the guy taking the last shot unless it's a putback off a miss.

Hopefully it's Maxey but his constant deference to Embiid at the end of a tight game is a bit of a concern. IMO if it isn't Maxey, it should be Oubre (when he returns) at least until we bring someone else in for that role.

Bruh...

[Embiid P]

Then some people criticise me for the obvious. Joel has extraordinary conditions, he has everything to be the best, but he is not a leader, and you can't rely on him in key moments.

The Cameroonian went for 32 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks last night against the Cavaliers, but missed the shot that would have prevented overtime and scored just two in a 119-122 overtime win for Cleveland. As a result, the Philadelphia 76ers are now eliminated from the In-Season Tournament.

In my humble opinion, Embiid and the Sixers need a leader, and until we get one, we will always be contenders, but never champions.

How many other centers in today's NBA are counted upon to make the last shot in a tie game or when trailing by 1 or 2 points? Even with Jokic, I honestly can't recall a time when he hit a game winner at the end. Ideally our center should not be the guy taking the last shot unless it's a putback off a miss.

Hopefully it's Maxey but his constant deference to Embiid at the end of a tight game is a bit of a concern. IMO if it isn't Maxey, it should be Oubre (when he returns) at least until we bring someone else in for that role.

Bruh...

Bruh...what? How many shot creators do we have on our team atm? I can only think of 3. One is our center, another is our undersized PG and the other is our best scoring wing. Centers shouldn't be taking the last shot, and unfortunately Maxey is small and still deferential to Embiid in crunch time, so who does that leave right now?

[youngcrev]

Embiid is one of the better scorers in isolation in the league, and is an elite midrange shooter. If the plan is for a run the clock, take the last shot possession, he's probably our best option. I worry more about him turning the ball over.

I can see an argument for Maxey, but I feel like you want a guy that's able shoot over people in that scenario. Honestly, I could see an argument for Tobias.

To me the better argument is "should you value ensuring the last shot over running a play to get a better shot?"

Edit: But Kelly Oubre? He's a bad shot creator. Part of why he's having such a good year is because he's doing less creating and just playing within the flow of the game. Hell, Nurse probably won't even have him in closing lineups over Batum in the first place.

[76ciology]

Maxey’s FGM, FGA and FG% after his 50 pt game.

[Bum Adebayo]

Maxey will be fine, this is just a small slump.

[76ciology]

How many other centers in today's NBA are counted upon to make the last shot in a tie game or when trailing by 1 or 2 points? Even with Jokic, I honestly can't recall a time when he hit a game winner at the end. Ideally our center should not be the guy taking the last shot unless it's a putback off a miss.

Hopefully it's Maxey but his constant deference to Embiid at the end of a tight game is a bit of a concern. IMO if it isn't Maxey, it should be Oubre (when he returns) at least until we bring someone else in for that role.

Bruh...

Bruh...what? How many shot creators do we have on our team atm? I can only think of 3. One is our center, another is our undersized PG and the other is our best scoring wing. Centers shouldn't be taking the last shot, and unfortunately Maxey is small and still deferential to Embiid in crunch time, so who does that leave right now?

Why? NBA rules does not allow it?

[76ciology]

Embiid is one of the better scorers in isolation in the league, and is an elite midrange shooter. If the plan is for a run the clock, take the last shot possession, he's probably our best option. I worry more about him turning the ball over.

I can see an argument for Maxey, but I feel like you want a guy that's able shoot over people in that scenario. Honestly, I could see an argument for Tobias.

To me the better argument is "should you value ensuring the last shot over running a play to get a better shot?"

Edit: But Kelly Oubre? He's a bad shot creator. Part of why he's having such a good year is because he's doing less creating and just playing within the flow of the game. Hell, Nurse probably won't even have him in closing lineups over Batum in the first place.

It should be Tobias. Based on iso/post ppp and shooting %.

For me, it should not have a fixed answer and we take whatever the defense gives us. Maybe run a Maxey-Biid two man game and if defense opts to play heavy drop defense then Maxey should take it. If defense switch then we let Embiid cook. If defense doubles then he kick it to open shooters.

But yeah, i share the fear of Biid turning the ball over and I’d rather have him be less of a playmaker and be more of a shot taker in these type of situations.

[youngcrev]

Embiid is one of the better scorers in isolation in the league, and is an elite midrange shooter. If the plan is for a run the clock, take the last shot possession, he's probably our best option. I worry more about him turning the ball over.

I can see an argument for Maxey, but I feel like you want a guy that's able shoot over people in that scenario. Honestly, I could see an argument for Tobias.

To me the better argument is "should you value ensuring the last shot over running a play to get a better shot?"

Edit: But Kelly Oubre? He's a bad shot creator. Part of why he's having such a good year is because he's doing less creating and just playing within the flow of the game. Hell, Nurse probably won't even have him in closing lineups over Batum in the first place.

It should be Tobias. Based on iso/post ppp and shooting %.

For me, it should not have a fixed answer and we take whatever the defense gives us. Maybe run a Maxey-Biid two man game and if defense opts to play heavy drop defense then Maxey should take it. If defense switch then we let Embiid cook. If defense doubles then he kick it to open shooters.

But yeah, i share the fear of Biid turning the ball over and I’d rather have him be less of a playmaker and be more of a shot taker in these type of situations.

What stat are you basing that on?

Looking at iso stats on NBA.com and Embiid's are more efficient than Tobias. They're also obviously on a way higher volume. Jo's been among the best iso scorers in the league for a while now.

I think the best argument for Tobias would be his pull-up midrange game, where he's situationally probably a little better than Jo (I don't know that the hang dribble shot he loves works as well if the opponent can time it out), and unlike Maxey has the size to shoot over someone. Maxey is a more efficient shooter in general, but that shrinks when you factor in a 2 pointer being just as good as a 3 for a game winner.

But yeah, late game scenario in general, stick with what is working: Embiid-Maxey 2 man game with spacers/cutters on the back end to punish help.

I think I'd lean towards that even if there's opportunity to milk the clock for the last shot. Embiid's usually gassed for overtime anyway, let's end things in regulation regardless of outcome! Obviously there's more opportunity for a coach to look dumb if you score with too much time and the other team ends up winning in regulation, but there's also opportunity for an offensive rebound put back. I'd be curious what the actual analytics say is the right move, and how close those numbers are. Seems like holding for the last shot is just the more risk averse play, but maybe the numbers say it's the right one.

[76ciology]

Spoiler:

Embiid is one of the better scorers in isolation in the league, and is an elite midrange shooter. If the plan is for a run the clock, take the last shot possession, he's probably our best option. I worry more about him turning the ball over.

I can see an argument for Maxey, but I feel like you want a guy that's able shoot over people in that scenario. Honestly, I could see an argument for Tobias.

To me the better argument is "should you value ensuring the last shot over running a play to get a better shot?"

Edit: But Kelly Oubre? He's a bad shot creator. Part of why he's having such a good year is because he's doing less creating and just playing within the flow of the game. Hell, Nurse probably won't even have him in closing lineups over Batum in the first place.

It should be Tobias. Based on iso/post ppp and shooting %.

For me, it should not have a fixed answer and we take whatever the defense gives us. Maybe run a Maxey-Biid two man game and if defense opts to play heavy drop defense then Maxey should take it. If defense switch then we let Embiid cook. If defense doubles then he kick it to open shooters.

But yeah, i share the fear of Biid turning the ball over and I’d rather have him be less of a playmaker and be more of a shot taker in these type of situations.

What stat are you basing that on?

Looking at iso stats on NBA.com and Embiid's are more efficient than Tobias. They're also obviously on a way higher volume. Jo's been among the best iso scorers in the league for a while now.

I think the best argument for Tobias would be his pull-up midrange game, where he's situationally probably a little better than Jo (I don't know that the hang dribble shot he loves works as well if the opponent can time it out), and unlike Maxey has the size to shoot over someone. Maxey is a more efficient shooter in general, but that shrinks when you factor in a 2 pointer being just as good as a 3 for a game winner.

But yeah, late game scenario in general, stick with what is working: Embiid-Maxey 2 man game with spacers/cutters on the back end to punish help.

I think I'd lean towards that even if there's opportunity to milk the clock for the last shot. Embiid's usually gassed for overtime anyway, let's end things in regulation regardless of outcome! Obviously there's more opportunity for a coach to look dumb if you score with too much time and the other team ends up winning in regulation, but there's also opportunity for an offensive rebound put back. I'd be curious what the actual analytics say is the right move, and how close those numbers are. Seems like holding for the last shot is just the more risk averse play, but maybe the numbers say it's the right one.

What I meant was it should be Tobi over Oubre.

[76ciology]

Jerami Grant last 8 games:

27 PTS, 3 RBS
38 PTS, 9 RBS, 5 AST
23 PTS, 5 RBS
26 PTS, 2 RBS
17 PTS, 4 RBS
25 PTS, 4 RBS
26 PTS, 4 RBS, 6 AST
30 PTS, 2 RBS, 4 AST

[mjkvol]

Embiid is one of the better scorers in isolation in the league, and is an elite midrange shooter. If the plan is for a run the clock, take the last shot possession, he's probably our best option. I worry more about him turning the ball over.

I can see an argument for Maxey, but I feel like you want a guy that's able shoot over people in that scenario. Honestly, I could see an argument for Tobias.

To me the better argument is "should you value ensuring the last shot over running a play to get a better shot?"

Edit: But Kelly Oubre? He's a bad shot creator. Part of why he's having such a good year is because he's doing less creating and just playing within the flow of the game. Hell, Nurse probably won't even have him in closing lineups over Batum in the first place.

It should be Tobias. Based on iso/post ppp and shooting %.

For me, it should not have a fixed answer and we take whatever the defense gives us. Maybe run a Maxey-Biid two man game and if defense opts to play heavy drop defense then Maxey should take it. If defense switch then we let Embiid cook. If defense doubles then he kick it to open shooters.

But yeah, i share the fear of Biid turning the ball over and I’d rather have him be less of a playmaker and be more of a shot taker in these type of situations.

Why not just run the offense and whoever gets a good shot within the flow of an action takes the shot? The DHO's and P&R's that are the basis of this offense provide good shots throughout the game for Embiid, Maxey, Tobias, and Oubre, so why do we have to always resort to Glenn-style ISO and stand around for the last shot?

Like you said, take what the defense gives us. Right now, I can live with anyone among Embiid, Maxey, Tobias, Oubre, or Batum taking that shot within the flow of the offense.

[youngcrev]

Jerami Grant last 8 games:

27 PTS, 3 RBS
38 PTS, 9 RBS, 5 AST
23 PTS, 5 RBS
26 PTS, 2 RBS
17 PTS, 4 RBS
25 PTS, 4 RBS
26 PTS, 4 RBS, 6 AST
30 PTS, 2 RBS, 4 AST

He's playing well. And in terms of being a target for us, shooting really well. Don't love his rebounding numbers for a 4, and not sure how he'd feel about going back to his Denver usage levels. That's kinda the main issue is that we wouldn't be asking him to play anything like he is playing. We'd be asking him to take a major step back offensively in terms of role and to put a lot more focus on the other end of the floor.

With a guy like OG, he's playing the same role we'd want him to and excelling. With Jerami there's more projecting and hoping in terms of fit.

[mjkvol]

Jerami Grant last 8 games:

27 PTS, 3 RBS
38 PTS, 9 RBS, 5 AST
23 PTS, 5 RBS
26 PTS, 2 RBS
17 PTS, 4 RBS
25 PTS, 4 RBS
26 PTS, 4 RBS, 6 AST
30 PTS, 2 RBS, 4 AST

I'll always look suspiciously at big numbers on a bad team. Not saying Grant isn't a good player or he wouldn't fit nicely here, but this isn't an expiring we're talking about. You're tied into this guy for $32 mil+ through 2028, so he becomes kind of that "3rd star" everyone keeps speaking of needing. Is he that guy?

[mjkvol]

Happy Thanksgiving to all the U.S. posters here.

[youngcrev]

Read on Twitter

Eating some Thanksgiving crow.

Not sure about how he'd actually fit on this team since we don't have the big creating guards that the Thunder do, but I thought people were silly for giving a **** about letting him go.

[Jailblazers7]

My biggest problem with Embiid late game is he tends to get overwhelmed mentally which leads to bad decisions. He’s a massive overthinker & it gets worse when the pressure is high.

In the Cavs game, we ran PnR and got him a wide open 15-18 foot jumper with 30 seconds left in a tied game. That’s a shot we will take 10 times out of 10 to win the game. Instead he pump fakes his way in a contested turnaround over Mobley that he bricks.