76ers 2023-24 Season Thread Part 2

[TheBallsDeeper]

Woah! Dude! You're right again! Nailed it!

Thats it? Like, that's all you bothered contributing. Log off champ - you're cooked.

With a classy name such as "Balls Deeper" it's a wonder you aren't being mentioned with other worldly famous philosophers! Karl Marx and Aristotle have got nothing on you! What are your thoughts on the Astronist statement? I mean there is quite a dashboard of beliefs on the subject, but Balls Deeper...Cmon man...Give us your wise intellect on the subject. Wow us with your sagacity! We're all waiting to know how it makes you feel. I mean the debate with the whole subject just rages on! Religion? Or Philosophy? I personally believe that Astronism is not purely just a religion or a philosophy, but a synthesis of the two. Yet...At its very core...Balls Deeper...What do you think? I just can't get over the name! Balls Deeper! Just a showmanship on your part of high end sophisticated class! You truly are a Trailblazer oozing with desire to spark a cosmopolitan revolution! Balls Deeper...So cool!

Just to clarify - it's "TheBallsDeeper", but I appreciate you taking the time to google all of those big words and respond. It makes me feel warm inside.
Thanks.

[Bum Adebayo]

I think every player has a price. There are times where a player is simply untouchable. As in, there's no amount of gold that I can sell this for. I don't know if I feel that way about Joel Embiid anymore. Would I trade him for Chet and picks? Depends on the picks, but I might possibly say yes to that. I just know that I'm tired of him getting injured. Embiid has been the talk of Philly for the last ten years and he's been injured every season. He's probably missed more games than he's played if you count the 164 game headstart he got sitting out his first two seasons. It's frustrating, and it's worn on a lot of people because of it. Then again, as a Philly faithful, you don't want to give up on him. You don't want to see it end because he's probably the most talented player in the game right now. I don't think we'll trade him, I damn sure don't want to, but at this point I would for the right compensation. Chet alone isn't even close to getting it done.

1. Trading superstars rarely happens, and even more rarely ever works out.

2. I might consider trading him for Chet and a pick, but that isn't happening. Like Mik said, it will be more like some non-difference maker and some spare parts and protected picks. A bunch of 'stuff'.

If the Sixers traded Embiid right now, it would be starting the Process over again with Maxey and no draft capital, and Adam Silver would make damn sure that a Hinkie type strategy never happened here again.

We wouldn't blatantly tank like we did in the Hinkie era though, and the odds got updated so that the worst team is not as favored as before.
Look, the difference is that we really didn't have any bright spot, we sucked so bad in terms of players and coach that blatant tanking was a natural phenomenom. However, now we would have a young and "improving" Maxey, there would be some hope to sell to fans. It's just not the same at all.

[76ciology]

I think every player has a price. There are times where a player is simply untouchable. As in, there's no amount of gold that I can sell this for. I don't know if I feel that way about Joel Embiid anymore. Would I trade him for Chet and picks? Depends on the picks, but I might possibly say yes to that. I just know that I'm tired of him getting injured. Embiid has been the talk of Philly for the last ten years and he's been injured every season. He's probably missed more games than he's played if you count the 164 game headstart he got sitting out his first two seasons. It's frustrating, and it's worn on a lot of people because of it. Then again, as a Philly faithful, you don't want to give up on him. You don't want to see it end because he's probably the most talented player in the game right now. I don't think we'll trade him, I damn sure don't want to, but at this point I would for the right compensation. Chet alone isn't even close to getting it done.

1. Trading superstars rarely happens, and even more rarely ever works out.

2. I might consider trading him for Chet and a pick, but that isn't happening. Like Mik said, it will be more like some non-difference maker and some spare parts and protected picks. A bunch of 'stuff'.

If the Sixers traded Embiid right now, it would be starting the Process over again with Maxey and no draft capital, and Adam Silver would make damn sure that a Hinkie type strategy never happened here again.

Yup, the only time rebuilding would make sense is in 2027.

And for those here who want a rebuild, just wait three more years. Three years ago, we had guys sitting on the bench wearing masks, only taking them off when they had to play— it's that recent.

[Arsenal]

Shake Milton is available! Bring him back to save our season!!!

[76ciology]

Shake Milton is available! Bring him back to save our season!!!

If we’re playing 2-3 guard units, Milton is more playable than Payne.

[Arsenal]

Shake Milton is available! Bring him back to save our season!!!

If we’re playing 2-3 guard units, Milton is more playable than Payne.

The one thing he can do is score, and we need scoring.

[76ciology]

“Joel has a very intelligent basketball mind and how he sees the game and what he sees. He’s been with me here the longest out of anybody…at the end of it he just said, you had a rough seven game stretch, not 70…another thing he said is, you’re not out there saving lives, it’s basketball. Enjoy it. Figure it out. Dont put too much pressure on yourself.” - Tobias

[76ciology]

Shake Milton is available! Bring him back to save our season!!!

If we’re playing 2-3 guard units, Milton is more playable than Payne.

The one thing he can do is score, and we need scoring.

He’s actually good on our style of drive and draw/weave offense. The thing I dont like about Milton is he wants a bigger role after he spent a lot of that 2019-2020 season starting for us.

[Arsenal]

If we’re playing 2-3 guard units, Milton is more playable than Payne.

The one thing he can do is score, and we need scoring.

He’s actually good on our style of drive and draw/weave offense. The thing I dont like about Milton is he wants a bigger role after he spent a lot of that 2019-2020 season starting for us.

He’s probably been humbled by being misused in MIN. Anyway there’s opportunity here since the team currently can’t score.

[76ciology]

Teams usually play some sort of zone and don't switch much to start every half, allowing them to conserve energy and avoid foul trouble. In these situations, you need a goalie at the center position who can protect the rim by funneling plays towards them.

Off the bench, you need to inject energy to compensate for the talent of the starters. Hopefully, this energy translates into extra possessions from offensive rebounds or deflections that lead to easy baskets in transition. Teams typically don't switch much until the end of halves and especially at the end of games, and Paul Reed is perfect for those situations.

[76ciology]

Tobias is efficient shooting from the right corner and the top of the arc, while Hield is efficient shooting almost anywhere but excels at the left corner and left wing. Oubre is more efficient shooting from the left corner than the right.

In terms of shooting spots on the court, Tobias complements both Oubre and Hield. Hield can allow Tobias to stay at the right corner, while Oubre occupies the left corner, leaving Hield and Maxey to operate at the top of the key and both wings.

[76ciology]

The problem with this team without Embiid is our struggle to generate mismatches or create 4v5 opportunities. Typically, the easiest method is the 1-5 pick and roll, which even the Dragic-Whiteside duo of the Miami Heat exploited against top Eastern Conference teams in the past. However, our bigs lack proficiency as roll men, lob threats, or pick and pop options. Since defenses often switch on these screen plays, it's challenging to create mismatches or openings with Maxey, Lowry, Hield, Oubre, or Tobias themselves. Even if a mismatch arises, the defense can easily accept the outcome.

I believe one of Nurse’s solutions to this is to increase the pace with these three-guard units, hoping to capitalize on defensive miscommunication and find holes in their defense. Another approach involves Maxey and Hield playing off the ball, similar to the Warriors' Steph and Klay, but with the screener needing to be advanced and aware of backdoor opportunities.

Things certainly improve with Jojo on the court, as defenses can't afford to switch on him or Maxey, while allowing Tobias and Oubre to exploit weak links in opposing second units.

This is all part of the process as we continue to learn and improve our team, ultimately helping us win during non-Embiid minutes of the playoffs.

[eyeatoma]

“Joel has a very intelligent basketball mind and how he sees the game and what he sees. He’s been with me here the longest out of anybody…at the end of it he just said, you had a rough seven game stretch, not 70…another thing he said is, you’re not out there saving lives, it’s basketball. Enjoy it. Figure it out. Dont put too much pressure on yourself.” - Tobias

Hey man, on a previous post you mentioned you're not a fan of Joel.

Didn't know that.

Any reason why?

[76ciology]

“Joel has a very intelligent basketball mind and how he sees the game and what he sees. He’s been with me here the longest out of anybody…at the end of it he just said, you had a rough seven game stretch, not 70…another thing he said is, you’re not out there saving lives, it’s basketball. Enjoy it. Figure it out. Dont put too much pressure on yourself.” - Tobias

Hey man, on a previous post you mentioned you're not a fan of Joel.

Didn't know that.

Any reason why?

I acknowledge that Embiid is a great player, a legitimate superstar, and one of the best players to have ever played.

However, I don't find him entertaining on offense because he flops a lot and tries to bait fouls frequently. It disrupts the rhythm of the game, and most times, I find it unfair for the opposing team, similar to how we feel when facing Trae Young. At least, that's what people usually complain to me about when I talk to them about the Sixers.

As a Sixers fan, I don't like the uncertainty of his health, where I have to worry if he’s okay after every fall, and I don't know what to expect from him at times when he appears gassed or maybe is feeling pain in his knee.

Don't get me wrong; I understand you can win with him, and I love that challenge. But it's just so damn hard to win with him because you need to build two types of teams: one that considers Jojo as an anchor on both ends, and another that can compete when you take away that anchor. That most times it feels like you need to build a superteam in order to win, which is probably why Morey sounds to be going hard for Paul George. You have to win during those non-Embiid minutes, and you also have to win games when he’s sluggish or not playing, and in those times relying on his teammates to carry him. His reliability as a franchise player is tough to build around. P.S. Harden is in a much better place now

It’s as if you need a lot of stars to align for you to win the championship with him. He should be healthy, he should pace himself so he's at his peak during the playoffs, and then you have to be at the mercy of the 3-point shooters that you need to surround him with.

But don't get me wrong; I'm not a hater, nor do I want to trade him. I think we should continue what we’re doing and try to maximize our chance of winning for the next three years until his contract runs out.

[Eyeamok]

The one thing he can do is score, and we need scoring.

He’s actually good on our style of drive and draw/weave offense. The thing I dont like about Milton is he wants a bigger role after he spent a lot of that 2019-2020 season starting for us.

He’s probably been humbled by being misused in MIN. Anyway there’s opportunity here since the team currently can’t score.

I like Shake I've always liked Shake even when he let me down. And Arsenal is probably right he has been humbled being in MIN. When he was not trying to do too much he was good shake. Now that he has been bought out he is a free agent next year correct? It's crazy to me that the Pistons had no use for him this year or next.

[eyeatoma]

“Joel has a very intelligent basketball mind and how he sees the game and what he sees. He’s been with me here the longest out of anybody…at the end of it he just said, you had a rough seven game stretch, not 70…another thing he said is, you’re not out there saving lives, it’s basketball. Enjoy it. Figure it out. Dont put too much pressure on yourself.” - Tobias

Hey man, on a previous post you mentioned you're not a fan of Joel.

Didn't know that.

Any reason why?

I acknowledge that Embiid is a great player, a legitimate superstar, and one of the best players to have ever played.

However, I don't find him entertaining on offense because he flops a lot and tries to bait fouls frequently. It disrupts the rhythm of the game, and most times, I find it unfair for the opposing team, similar to how we feel when facing Trae Young. At least, that's what people usually complain to me about when I talk to them about the Sixers.

As a Sixers fan, I don't like the uncertainty of his health, where I have to worry if he’s okay after every fall, and I don't know what to expect from him at times when he appears gassed or maybe is feeling pain in his knee.

Don't get me wrong; I understand you can win with him, and I love that challenge. But it's just so damn hard to win with him because you need to build two types of teams: one that considers Jojo as an anchor on both ends, and another that can compete when you take away that anchor. That most times it feels like you need to build a superteam in order to win, which is probably why Morey sounds to be going hard for Paul George. You have to win during those non-Embiid minutes, and you also have to win games when he’s sluggish or not playing, and in those times relying on his teammates to carry him. His reliability as a franchise player is tough to build around. P.S. Harden is in a much better place now

It’s as if you need a lot of stars to align for you to win the championship with him. He should be healthy, he should pace himself so he's at his peak during the playoffs, and then you have to be at the mercy of the 3-point shooters that you need to surround him with.

But don't get me wrong; I'm not a hater, nor do I want to trade him. I think we should continue what we’re doing and try to maximize our chance of winning for the next three years until his contract runs out.

Sounds good man. Sounds like you want a more consistent superstar one that doesn't have the injury issues and doesn't require such a specific build. Fair enough. Maybe when we move on from Jo. For now enjoy the ride because you're right he's 1 of 1, and there won't be another player like him. This dude talent wise is top 5 of all time.

[Bum Adebayo]

Yeah I would agree Embiid's talent is off the charts, that's one think you can't take from him.

[Eyeamok]

The one thing he can do is score, and we need scoring.

He’s actually good on our style of drive and draw/weave offense. The thing I dont like about Milton is he wants a bigger role after he spent a lot of that 2019-2020 season starting for us.

He’s probably been humbled by being misused in MIN. Anyway there’s opportunity here since the team currently can’t score.

Milton has back issues and contract is up for renewal. Slide Shake into that spot either this year or next, on a cheap multi year contract.

[the_process]

We've seen enough of Shake to know he's not it.

No reason to bring him back.

They could use another big, but it doesn't appear they are interested in anyone available. Or they are waiting to get the prorated amount down enough it doesn't put them back in the tax?

[the_process]

“Joel has a very intelligent basketball mind and how he sees the game and what he sees. He’s been with me here the longest out of anybody…at the end of it he just said, you had a rough seven game stretch, not 70…another thing he said is, you’re not out there saving lives, it’s basketball. Enjoy it. Figure it out. Dont put too much pressure on yourself.” - Tobias

Hey man, on a previous post you mentioned you're not a fan of Joel.

Didn't know that.

Any reason why?

I acknowledge that Embiid is a great player and a legitimate superstar.

However, I don't find him entertaining on offense because he flops a lot and tries to bait fouls frequently. It disrupts the rhythm of the game, and most times, I find it unfair for the opposing team, similar to how we feel when facing Trae Young. At least, that's what people usually complain to me about when I talk to them about the Sixers.

As a Sixers fan, I don't like the uncertainty of his health, where I have to worry if he’s okay after every fall, and I don't know what to expect from him at times when he appears gassed or maybe is feeling pain in his knee.

Don't get me wrong; I understand you can win with him, and I love that challenge. But it's just so damn hard to win with him because you need to build two types of teams: one that considers Jojo as an anchor on both ends, and another that can compete when you take away that anchor. That most times it feels like you need to build a superteam in order to win, which is probably why Morey sounds to be going hard for Paul George. You have to win during those non-Embiid minutes, and you also have to win games when he’s sluggish or not playing, and in those times relying on his teammates to carry him. His reliability as a franchise player is tough to build around. P.S. Harden is in a much better place now

It’s as if you need a lot of stars to align for you to win the championship with him. He should be healthy, he should pace himself so he's at his peak during the playoffs, and then you have to be at the mercy of the 3-point shooters that you need to surround him with.