76ers 2023-24 Season Thread Part 2

[mjkvol]

The need isn't necessarily for a "big three" but for one of the top players to be a three-level scorer who can spearhead the team in the clutch and be a dependable scoring option at those times. Embiid cannot perform in that capacity and it's questionable whether Maxey can as well.

So what creates the apparent need for a "big three" is not that the precise quantity of three players per se is necessarily needed, but that the top two players on this particular team cannot be depended on to function in a critical way in the NBA.

To use an NFL analogy it'd be like having the best running back in the game (Embiid) coupled with one of the top wide receivers (Maxey), absent an adequate quarterback. Obviously such a team will stall in the playoffs, and likewise this team always does as well.

What would a Ferry post be without at least one 'spearhead' and a convoluted NFL analogy?

What would one of your responses to such a post be if it wasn't devoid of any substantive content and in its stead only meaningless allusions to the posting style of an anonymous message board poster? At this point you're more predictable than I am.

"Posting style"? I, as well as most others on here post whether the team is winning or losing and have different viewpoints on different subjects based on what is happening with the team. You and a couple of others who only post after losses or bad runs are like a skipping record, droning on about the exact same thing over and over and over.

[ProcessDoctor]

Man I really would've preferred Delon Wright to Lowry.

[ProcessDoctor]

Right now, if we're aiming for a big three-type team, my number one candidate to trade is Donovan Mitchell. He's a player who can excel as the second option while also possessing the ability to lead as an alpha player. He's a more viable option than LeBron, Durant, Paul George, or Ingram.

Both the numbers and the eye test indicate that he's a superstar. Additionally, I believe the Cavs might explore trade options in the offseason due to rumors suggesting he might leave once he becomes a free agent.

As for the third banana, Hield or Maxey would be the perfect player for that role.

After that, we just need to surround them with competent role players.

Hardest part about trading for a 3rd star is we have no tradeable contracts this summer besides Embiid, Maxey, and Reed. Unless we absorb Mitchell's contract, but that would entail Cleveland taking a picks-only package without an established young player attached.

The only star player I could see being given up straight up for cap space + picks is KAT.

[ivysixer2000]

I don't want Ingram or Williamson, tbh.

That third banana behind Embiid and Maxey should be able to space the floor and play predominantly off the ball.

Zion doesn't do anything outside the paint. Brandon holds the ball too much and is too mid-range happy.

The problem we have is there isn't much available out there. Its not like players beg to come to Philly, neither is a great fit, but I don't think what we have is enough as is. Zion would be a real bad fit, although it would be fun to watch sometimes.

Ingram could mold his game more and be a fit, but it would really depends on what we had to give up to get him. Any combo of Hield, Max, or of course Jojo would be bad although Hield would probably have to be included in a sign and trade. The volume 3s of Hield are needed for this team, but he isn't young anymore and I could see Ingram with another 3&D guy around. Best case, they take Tobi for Ingram, but I doubt that would happen.

Neither are an absolute solution, but so far I haven't seen any great fits lining up to come to Philly.

[youngcrev]

Man I really would've preferred Delon Wright to Lowry.

Why? Similar caliber players at this stage, but Lowry likely brings a lot more in terms leadership/off the court stuff, and is a much better fit with Embiid.

[76ciology]

Man I really would've preferred Delon Wright to Lowry.

Defensively, both are good defensive players, with Lowry ranking at the 80th percentile in defensive EPM.

Lowry holds the edge in 3-point shooting (shooting 38%, though he has missed his last 18 attempts) and in controlling the offense, particularly in high-pressure situations. Notably, he was part of the Heat squad that defeated the Celtics in last year’s playoffs.

I believe he’s a really good fit because he provides the essential attributes needed for a point guard to play alongside Biid. He can effectively run a two-man game, execute pocket passes, stretch the floor for Embiid, and maintain decent defensive prowess. This setup allows for staggering Biid and Maxey, enabling Maxey to operate with other non-Embiid lineups that he will become accustomed to while Embiid is out.

[76ciology]

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.

[M2J]

I don't want to know this team anymore without an athlete like Oubre

[Negrodamus]

Unless you’re worried about Zion getting too heavy, getting injured, or having a piss poor attitude, you’d be completely insane not to want him. When conditions are right, he’s an MVP candidate.

[the_process]

At some point it will click around here that bringing back Tobias would be the death knell to the Embiid era.

[Bum Adebayo]

Unless you’re worried about Zion getting too heavy, getting injured, or having a piss poor attitude, you’d be completely insane not to want him. When conditions are right, he’s an MVP candidate.

Naw MVP candidate he is not, too much top talent and level right now, but he can definitely be a true star.
Problem is that his fit with Embiid is horrendous. Unless the plan is to trade Embiid for a nice haul of players and picks, it doesn't make much sense unless you can get him for real cheap (you won't). That being said, it can't be any worse than how Simmons fitted with Embiid though, Zion is a much MUCH better player.

[Kobblehead]

Unless you’re worried about Zion getting too heavy, getting injured, or having a piss poor attitude, you’d be completely insane not to want him. When conditions are right, he’s an MVP candidate.

That's the thing.

The conditions are NEVER right with him. He's perpetually fat, injured, and sulking.

[Mik317]

team building is all about making life for your best player(s) easier. Make it so they don't have to always be at MVP level to squeak out wins...that way when they are...its a bloodbath blowout. For Embiid, that means shooters for spacing, guys who can get him the ball in his best spots and at least a few POA guys so he's not having to put out fires all the time. IDK if that require a "big 3" at all IMO. Maxey is a perfect guy next to him as he can shoot and do the two man game. Hield hopefully will also assist in this if his passing is real. Now of course the last part is Biid being willing to scale down his role in general....which IDK if he wants to atm. Harden was also a perfect fit but him having his own playoff issues and just being on the downswing of his career hurt but he did win 2 playoff games on his own.

its really not that hard IMO...get shooters and athletes and with Maxey's constant improvement and hopefully better coaching, we will be a tough out regardless of Biid's emotional status lol.

[Negrodamus]

Unless you’re worried about Zion getting too heavy, getting injured, or having a piss poor attitude, you’d be completely insane not to want him. When conditions are right, he’s an MVP candidate.

That's the thing.

The conditions are NEVER right with him. He's perpetually fat, injured, and sulking.

Well, he's going to force himself to whatever team he wants at some point. So if it's the Sixers (for whatever reason), the only thing we'd need to worry about would be health and to actually pair him with a guard that gets him easy looks at the rim. I think Maxey might be decent enough at PnR at this point to get him going downhill and score easily at the basket. Maxey, Zion, and Embiid would be an easy stroll to the ECF next year.

It's rare to have an MVP level talent who is available and has absolutely no baggage.

[Kobblehead]

team building is all about making life for your best player(s) easier. Make it so they don't have to always be at MVP level to squeak out wins...that way when they are...its a bloodbath blowout. For Embiid, that means shooters for spacing, guys who can get him the ball in his best spots and at least a few POA guys so he's not having to put out fires all the time. IDK if that require a "big 3" at all IMO. Maxey is a perfect guy next to him as he can shoot and do the two man game. Hield hopefully will also assist in this if his passing is real. Now of course the last part is Biid being willing to scale down his role in general....which IDK if he wants to atm. Harden was also a perfect fit but him having his own playoff issues and just being on the downswing of his career hurt but he did win 2 playoff games on his own.

its really not that hard IMO...get shooters and athletes and with Maxey's constant improvement and hopefully better coaching, we will be a tough out regardless of Biid's emotional status lol.

Yup. This is the route to go.

Give extensions to Maxey and Hield.

Try to sign guys like Gary Trent (if Nurse is cool with it), Grayson Allen, Klay Thompson, Doug McDermott, etc.

Throw feelers out to Paul George.

No paint cloggers, no mid-rangers. We need shooting. Embiid/Maxey are the big pieces and everyone else should be bombers.

[GoSixersBro]

Bynum, Simmons, Harden, now Zion.

How many of these types do we need to go through to get it through our heads? It doesn't require much to look at that certain type of player and notice something is off and will never be right.

[M2J]

Bynum, Simmons, Harden, now Zion.

How many of these types do we need to go through to get it through our heads? It doesn't require much to look at that certain type of player and notice something is off and will never be right.

Joel

[GoSixersBro]

Bynum, Simmons, Harden, now Zion.

How many of these types do we need to go through to get it through our heads? It doesn't require much to look at that certain type of player and notice something is off and will never be right.

Joel

After all is said and done you might not sound crazy, but I believe there is a way Joel can work in the Playoffs and I'm one of the first to rip him come April each year.

[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.

[76ciology]

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).