76ers 2023-24 Season Thread Part 1

[M2J]

:o https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/injuries/breaking-significant-zach-lavine-injury-update-following-hornets-bulls-game

Zach to actively rest for 3-4 weeks. That's just around the time Philly can trade their Clippers players.

I'd probably convince myself after the fact if they traded for him. Obviously, the combination of a quick trigger 3 and the ability to attack a closeout could be lethal playing off of Embiid and Maxey.

But man, that guy just feels like a loser to me. And the defense next to Maxey would be so much more pressure on Embiid at the rim.

The spacing he would have here off of Embiid and maxey’s gravity would make us a generationally good offense. He would feast and the play style matches up so well

Plus Maxey and Zach are athletic enough to play defense well if they're not needing to carry an offense. The Bulls were a top defense last year and 76ers top 8 defense with Harden and Maxey. Start Melton and a defensive forward. Joel doesn't need to lead the league in scoring, he can be DPOY candidate.

[SixthStreet]

Just because someone can jump high doesn't mean they can play defense. There's no world in which Lavine is something other than the 9th or 10th worst defenders on the court at any given moment.

This is just the Sixers front office doing Lavine's representation a favor. I think Brand spearheads a lot of this stuff.

[SixthStreet]

I'd require draft capital FROM the Bulls to take Lavine in exchange for Harris' expiring. Not giving them a get out of jail free card for free.

[PhillyFan11]

I'd probably convince myself after the fact if they traded for him. Obviously, the combination of a quick trigger 3 and the ability to attack a closeout could be lethal playing off of Embiid and Maxey.

But man, that guy just feels like a loser to me. And the defense next to Maxey would be so much more pressure on Embiid at the rim.

The spacing he would have here off of Embiid and maxey’s gravity would make us a generationally good offense. He would feast and the play style matches up so well

Plus Maxey and Zach are athletic enough to play defense well if they're not needing to carry an offense. The Bulls were a top defense last year and 76ers top 8 defense with Harden and Maxey. Start Melton and a defensive forward. Joel doesn't need to lead the league in scoring, he can be DPOY candidate.

There’s no world where the Sixers offense is better off being lead by LaVine over Jo or Maxey. You’re severely overrating Zach LaVine. He’d come here and be the 3rd fiddle and be hated because he scores 17/18 points and plays bad defense. That contract is an albatross that needs added value to get rid of, we shouldn’t be trading a valuable expiring (and also a solid starter) to take on Zach LaVine and that contract. If the LaVine was as good as people think the Bulls shouldn’t be a bad team in the East playing with DeRozan and Vuc. If LaVine was a true star they’d at least be competitive and above .500

[Stanford]

I'd trade Tobias for picks .

We'd be trading Tobias and cap space for picks.

[mjkvol]

Just because someone can jump high doesn't mean they can play defense. There's no world in which Lavine is something other than the 9th or 10th worst defenders on the court at any given moment.

This is just the Sixers front office doing Lavine's representation a favor. I think Brand spearheads a lot of this stuff.

Absolutely. It would be the height of management malpractice for Morey to give up a contributing player (I choked just a bit typing that) and potentially valuable expiring contract for Zach Lavine in any trade, but especially if the Sixers are not getting significant draft capital back for taking that hideous contract.

There's not a deal out there where I would think it's a good idea to bring Lavine in, unless he was immediately redirected elsewhere.

[M2J]

The spacing he would have here off of Embiid and maxey’s gravity would make us a generationally good offense. He would feast and the play style matches up so well

Plus Maxey and Zach are athletic enough to play defense well if they're not needing to carry an offense. The Bulls were a top defense last year and 76ers top 8 defense with Harden and Maxey. Start Melton and a defensive forward. Joel doesn't need to lead the league in scoring, he can be DPOY candidate.

There’s no world where the Sixers offense is better off being lead by LaVine over Jo or Maxey. You’re severely overrating Zach LaVine. He’d come here and be the 3rd fiddle and be hated because he scores 17/18 points and plays bad defense. That contract is an albatross that needs added value to get rid of, we shouldn’t be trading a valuable expiring (and also a solid starter) to take on Zach LaVine and that contract. If the LaVine was as good as people think the Bulls shouldn’t be a bad team in the East playing with DeRozan and Vuc. If LaVine was a true star they’d at least be competitive and above .500

You're reaching hard if you ever saw me say Lavine should be anything more than a 3rd option, but again.....he's a quality enough option that Joel doesn't have to waste as much energy on offense. I fully believe Joel and Maxey may be top 5 in terms of utilizing energy in the entire league trying to carry this team. Joel on both ends of the court being the focal point of the offense both in terms of touching it every time before the action begins for others and scoring himself, and obviously he has to erase a lot defensively. Maxey is in constant motion and covers more miles than any player in the league per game, I think he's close to the highest in history right now, if not already there. Lavine would be as good or better than any 3rd option in the league though, especially a team with technically 2 MVP candidates (certainly 1), and he can help with the creation of offense. You could realistically have 2 creators on the court at all time, and that helps lighten all of their loads. I don't even care if Lavine averages more than 20ppg, he's more helpful than Tobias (who they could technically still keep). Plus his spacing and creation will create easier shots for Maxey and Joel, again making their effort load easier

Just because someone can jump high doesn't mean they can play defense. There's no world in which Lavine is something other than the 9th or 10th worst defenders on the court at any given moment.

This is just the Sixers front office doing Lavine's representation a favor. I think Brand spearheads a lot of this stuff.

It doesn't mean they can or can't, but someone would say the same for Maxey. Fact is we've seen both of them lock in and play good defense at times, but few play both ways as top options. They both were on top defenses last year, and can do the same with lighter offensive loads and quality coaching this season. This is not necessarily me pushing for Zach, but rather stating the facts. Now, do I think Morey has interest? Yes, and I don't think he'll overpay or need to. Offensively, he's the best fit out there and I know this team needs more offense.

[Eyeamok]

I'm gutted. The Lakers are in the semi-finals for the tournament cup. And just a week and a half ago the 76ers gave them a royal beating. It should have been the 76ers it should have been the 76ers.

[76ciology]

It’s holiday at where im at. And im f’n bored so bear with me.

3PT/3PTA
Siakam | Tobias
2020-2021: 1.3/4.4 | 1.3/3.4
2021-2022: 1.1/3.2 | 1.4/3.8
2022-2023: 1.3/4.0 | 1.7/4.4
2023-2024: .8/3.9 | 1.0/3.2

3PTr almost same except for Tobi’s last season when he plays a 3&D role at .22-.27

Shot distance almost same at around 10.5-11.7ft

The difference in 3pt or perimeter shooting between the two is VERY MINIMAL.

But you get a better scorer (mostly when biid is out), better finisher around the rim (mostly when biid is on the court), better transition player, better rebounder and defensive player.

This is Pascal’s recent game against the Heat. Watch where Poetl or Achiuwa is in this highlight. Its interchangeable, Biid also play’s Pascal’s role here while Siakam can be at the paint. Pascal and Biid can also run a two man game like in one of the last actions.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

The best shot in basketball is not the 3pt shot.
It’s lay-ups.

[PhillyFan11]

Plus Maxey and Zach are athletic enough to play defense well if they're not needing to carry an offense. The Bulls were a top defense last year and 76ers top 8 defense with Harden and Maxey. Start Melton and a defensive forward. Joel doesn't need to lead the league in scoring, he can be DPOY candidate.

There’s no world where the Sixers offense is better off being lead by LaVine over Jo or Maxey. You’re severely overrating Zach LaVine. He’d come here and be the 3rd fiddle and be hated because he scores 17/18 points and plays bad defense. That contract is an albatross that needs added value to get rid of, we shouldn’t be trading a valuable expiring (and also a solid starter) to take on Zach LaVine and that contract. If the LaVine was as good as people think the Bulls shouldn’t be a bad team in the East playing with DeRozan and Vuc. If LaVine was a true star they’d at least be competitive and above .500

You're reaching hard if you ever saw me say Lavine should be anything more than a 3rd option, but again.....he's a quality enough option that Joel doesn't have to waste as much energy on offense. I fully believe Joel and Maxey may be top 5 in terms of utilizing energy in the entire league trying to carry this team. Joel on both ends of the court being the focal point of the offense both in terms of touching it every time before the action begins for others and scoring himself, and obviously he has to erase a lot defensively. Maxey is in constant motion and covers more miles than any player in the league per game, I think he's close to the highest in history right now, if not already there. Lavine would be as good or better than any 3rd option in the league though, especially a team with technically 2 MVP candidates (certainly 1), and he can help with the creation of offense. You could realistically have 2 creators on the court at all time, and that helps lighten all of their loads. I don't even care if Lavine averages more than 20ppg, he's more helpful than Tobias (who they could technically still keep). Plus his spacing and creation will create easier shots for Maxey and Joel, again making their effort load easier

Just because someone can jump high doesn't mean they can play defense. There's no world in which Lavine is something other than the 9th or 10th worst defenders on the court at any given moment.

This is just the Sixers front office doing Lavine's representation a favor. I think Brand spearheads a lot of this stuff.

It doesn't mean they can or can't, but someone would say the same for Maxey. Fact is we've seen both of them lock in and play good defense at times, but few play both ways as top options. They both were on top defenses last year, and can do the same with lighter offensive loads and quality coaching this season. This is not necessarily me pushing for Zach, but rather stating the facts. Now, do I think Morey has interest? Yes, and I don't think he'll overpay or need to. Offensively, he's the best fit out there and I know this team needs more offense.

It’s about having common sense with the salary cap. You don’t commit $40+M over the next 3.5 years to a 3rd option that provides some scoring relief. Oubre showed he could do that to a degree and he’s making league minimum. LaVine is neither a great shooter or a lockdown defender. He’s a ball dominant scoring guard. Absolutely terrible fit every way you could look at it.

[Sixerscan]

The third guy needs to be able to cover wings at a high level because Embiid and Maxey don’t do that. Not “be able to be in a good regular season defense when he’s in a backcourt with Caruso”, he’s gotta be a big part of why the defense is good. They’re not gonna have the financial flexibility to bring in/keep good role players to do that once Maxey gets paid. Otherwise in a few years we’re gonna be counting on a 40 year old Nic Batum convincing his wife that he can’t retire yet because we need him to guard Tatum.

[ExplosionsInDaSky]

I think Siakam is a great fit, but he's going to be tasked at times with guarding the likes of Jayson Tatum and Giannis. I personally think he can do that, but it may take away from his offensive game. The only concern I have with Siakam would be his C&S ability. If he's decent in that area like Tobias is, then it won't be a problem. I think the idea is to upgrade from Tobias Harris. I love Harris, but he is what he is at this point. I've never seen Siakam shrink in the postseason.
I've also seen him look like the closest thing in the league to Giannis when he's attacking downhill. There aren't many in this league that can do that the way he does and that is when he is at his best in my opinion.
I don't have a problem with the fit at all with Embiid. He definitely improves our rebounding, and he takes some pressure off of Joel as far as rim protection goes, and he's able to effectively guard the dynamic wing players in this league like Bridges, Tatum, and even Jaylen Brown.
He is pushing 30 or is 30? Not sure, but I think he's got five high level years left at the very least. The timeline with Embiid works out in my opinion.

[M2J]

There’s no world where the Sixers offense is better off being lead by LaVine over Jo or Maxey. You’re severely overrating Zach LaVine. He’d come here and be the 3rd fiddle and be hated because he scores 17/18 points and plays bad defense. That contract is an albatross that needs added value to get rid of, we shouldn’t be trading a valuable expiring (and also a solid starter) to take on Zach LaVine and that contract. If the LaVine was as good as people think the Bulls shouldn’t be a bad team in the East playing with DeRozan and Vuc. If LaVine was a true star they’d at least be competitive and above .500

You're reaching hard if you ever saw me say Lavine should be anything more than a 3rd option, but again.....he's a quality enough option that Joel doesn't have to waste as much energy on offense. I fully believe Joel and Maxey may be top 5 in terms of utilizing energy in the entire league trying to carry this team. Joel on both ends of the court being the focal point of the offense both in terms of touching it every time before the action begins for others and scoring himself, and obviously he has to erase a lot defensively. Maxey is in constant motion and covers more miles than any player in the league per game, I think he's close to the highest in history right now, if not already there. Lavine would be as good or better than any 3rd option in the league though, especially a team with technically 2 MVP candidates (certainly 1), and he can help with the creation of offense. You could realistically have 2 creators on the court at all time, and that helps lighten all of their loads. I don't even care if Lavine averages more than 20ppg, he's more helpful than Tobias (who they could technically still keep). Plus his spacing and creation will create easier shots for Maxey and Joel, again making their effort load easier

Just because someone can jump high doesn't mean they can play defense. There's no world in which Lavine is something other than the 9th or 10th worst defenders on the court at any given moment.

This is just the Sixers front office doing Lavine's representation a favor. I think Brand spearheads a lot of this stuff.

It doesn't mean they can or can't, but someone would say the same for Maxey. Fact is we've seen both of them lock in and play good defense at times, but few play both ways as top options. They both were on top defenses last year, and can do the same with lighter offensive loads and quality coaching this season. This is not necessarily me pushing for Zach, but rather stating the facts. Now, do I think Morey has interest? Yes, and I don't think he'll overpay or need to. Offensively, he's the best fit out there and I know this team needs more offense.

It’s about having common sense with the salary cap. You don’t commit $40+M over the next 3.5 years to a 3rd option that provides some scoring relief. Oubre showed he could do that to a degree and he’s making league minimum. LaVine is neither a great shooter or a lockdown defender. He’s a ball dominant scoring guard. Absolutely terrible fit every way you could look at it.

Max contracts are now entering 60+ million range, and the cap is increasing.

This is a win now team, they don't have the ability to wait for your imaginary ideal fit, and even Oubre isn't guaranteed to be here with out an overpay. You've got people talking about giving a 3&D role player in OG a bigger deal. This team needs a legit third option to reach it's goals, and has made it clear it was going to delay paying Maxey to potentially add 2 max players to Joel and Maxey. The cap can be managed.

He's a damn good shooter that can play quite well off the ball.

If the idea is to try and go to free agency, then you're paying Pascal, or OG....1 max level player that doesn't quite fit offensively (who I'd be fine with), and another that would be overpaid as well with a highly limited offensive game.

[Ferry Avenue]

Siakam would be a massive upgrade over Harris. You'd exchange a guy who can never be counted on to spearhead the offense for one who could be counted on to do so routinely.

[Stanford]

Siakam would be a massive upgrade over Harris.

You're also giving up picks and giving Siakam a long-term max contract.

Still worth it?

[FireMorey]

Seems like the best trade option for the Sixers is OG and I don't really think that's a player they should empty the war chest on.

Unless someone else worth all the picks comes available, they should focus on margin upgrades and wait til the summer to revisit a big splash.

[the_process]

Siakam would be a massive upgrade over Harris. You'd exchange a guy who can never be counted on to spearhead the offense for one who could be counted on to do so routinely.

Can he though?

[Mik317]

yes Toronto and their feared offense of the last few seasons has shown that Siakam is that guy

[Skates]

The win now attitude is what has screwed this organization over again and again. Fit matters most, a third option on offense needs to excel on defense and should be younger than Embiid so that you either win now or are positioned to win longer term if Embiid stays healthy longer than most expect or we are ready to pivot to build around Maxey and whomever we get with assets from an Embiid trade.

Trading out of a self imposed win now desperation leads to weakness and making bad decisions and compromises come trade season.

[M2J]

The win now attitude is what has screwed this organization over again and again. Fit matters most, a third option on offense needs to excel on defense and should be younger than Embiid so that you either win now or are positioned to win longer term if Embiid stays healthy longer than most expect or we are ready to pivot to build around Maxey and whomever we get with assets from an Embiid trade.

Trading out of a self imposed win now desperation leads to weakness and making bad decisions and compromises come trade season.

So fit:

1. Defensive ability (again, everybody has it, and schemes help) I never would've thought a team could be dominant in this wide open, spread them out league, with movement and have a defensive center like Jokic....nevermind. That's a bigger concern than a perimeter mismatch, where you have a premiere defensive anchor and a guy just needs to defense a jumper.

2. Younger than Joel, basically Pascal/Grant/Brogdon/etc. are his age. How much younger you talking

3. Has to be able to shoot

4. Has to be able to create (or you also need to get a strong creator in addition to)

Like literally the only player that is ideal in this entire league is Mikal Bridges or hell Miles Bridges

Neither are realistic. This league has proven that you can find an ideal offensive fit and defense can be worked out when more effort/rest/study/scheme is given in the playoffs. Many said Ray Allen can't defend. Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray have rings with Jokic as their anchor.