Sixers Offseason Thread Part 5

[SixthStreet]

Maxey is a scorer. I don't think he should be shooting less or expending more energy on defense. If anything, I think Embiid's scoring and usage should drop to accommodate George and Embiid should expend more effort on defense and rebounding. That will help the team reach it's ceiling far more than Maxey focusing on things other than what he does best.

[ankle420breaker]

Maxey is a scorer. I don't think he should be shooting less or expending more energy on defense. If anything, I think Embiid's scoring and usage should drop to accommodate George and Embiid should expend more effort on defense and rebounding. That will help the team reach it's ceiling far more than Maxey focusing on things other than what he does best.

This is sadly so true.

If Embiid (who won't sacrifice his offensive numbers) averaged 20ppg and somehow shifted 80% of his energy towards leading the league in rebounding and being the biggest shot blocking menace in the league then I feel like we'd jog our way into Boston for the ECF.



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[76ciology]

The Celtics succeeded by playing as a cohesive unit, without relying heavily on Tatum to carry the scoring load. Everyone became a threat based on what the defense presented, while also sharing the responsibilities on defense, there was no single defensive anchor. Instead, everyone contributed.

I don't like the direction of these discussions, where it's suggested that Player A should step down for Player B to rise.

Oh, so Embiid is the anchor on defense? The Celtics can simply draw him away from the rim with a stretch 5. And if Maxey is going to be the primary offensive option, they’ll make him work hard on defense to tire him out.

There are moments when Embiid will need to lead in scoring, and there are moments when he’ll need to step back. The same goes for Maxey. The main focus during the regular season should be on finding the right timing and pace for each player to shine, rather than forcing Player A to average 30 points, Player B 25, and Player C 20. Setting rigid scoring goals like this can lead to internal deterioration, which is exactly what Jason Kidd tried to exploit in the Finals against the Celtics by advocating for Tatum to get more touches, making it easier for the Mavs to defend. Similarly, Chet in PG’s podcast suggested he would create tension for the Sixers by asking Paul George who would take the last shot between him and Embiid, to which George wisely responded that it would depend on Nick Nurse's evaluation of the situation.

[eyeatoma]

Maxey is a scorer. I don't think he should be shooting less or expending more energy on defense. If anything, I think Embiid's scoring and usage should drop to accommodate George and Embiid should expend more effort on defense and rebounding. That will help the team reach it's ceiling far more than Maxey focusing on things other than what he does best.

I agree with this.

[76ciology]

This reminds me of a story Daryl Morey shared about a meeting with James Harden, the Rockets players, and a potential recruit.

They were discussing the importance of sacrifice for the team's success. The recruit then chimed in, saying, "Sacrifice means doing whatever it takes to win the game, right?”

Everyone were nodding their head and said “yeah.. yeah..”

Then the recruit continued “Well, I'm a good shooter, so for me, sacrifice means shooting more."

Daryl Morey silently tells himself.. “well that sort of makes sense”

[mjkvol]

The Celtics succeeded by playing as a cohesive unit, without relying heavily on Tatum to carry the scoring load. Everyone became a threat based on what the defense presented, while also sharing the responsibilities on defense, there was no single defensive anchor. Instead, everyone contributed.

I don't like the direction of these discussions, where it's suggested that Player A should step down for Player B to rise.

Oh, so Embiid is the anchor on defense? The Celtics can simply draw him away from the rim with a stretch 5. And if Maxey is going to be the primary offensive option, we’ll make him work hard on defense.

There are moments when Embiid will need to lead in scoring, and there are moments when he’ll need to step back. The same goes for Maxey. The main focus during the regular season should be on finding the right timing and pace for each player to shine, rather than forcing Player A to average 30 points, Player B 25, and Player C 20. Setting rigid scoring goals like this can lead to internal deterioration, which is exactly what Jason Kidd tried to exploit in the Finals against the Celtics by advocating for Tatum to get more touches, making it easier for the Mavs to defend. Similarly, Chet in PG’s podcast suggested he would create tension for the Sixers by asking Paul George who would take the last shot between him and Embiid, to which George wisely responded that it would depend on Nick Nurse's evaluation of the situation.

This x 1000.

These discussions about the #1, #2, and #3 pecking order and how many points everyone "should" average and who will take the last shot are missing the beauty of having a roster this deep with multiple options on offense possessing different strengths.

This should be a night to night and quarter to quarter deal giving Nick different ways to attack teams based on their personnel, weaknesses, and adjustments, and who has the hot hand - one night it might be Embiid eating up a mismatch, another might be Maxey on a heater, and so on and so on. If this turns into an ego thing with "how many shots I'm getting", I don't have a lot of hope for the season.

[Sixerscan]

I was just answering the question of how many points I think he's gonna average. Obviously Nurse should set up an offense and saying Maxey will average 25 a night doesn't mean he should literally score exactly 25 points every game.

In the larger discussion, PPG is being used as a shorthand here for how heavy someone should be featured in the offense. Even in free flowing offense there's still an understanding of who you are generally going to work the hardest to get the best shots for. Embiid went from averaging high 20s and a usage rate in the low 30s to scoring mid 30s and having a usage rate near 40 in part because he improved but also because they just started spamming him the ball at the nail more. If they stop doing that as much the points will adjust accordingly (I mean I guess it could just result in missed shots and turnovers going away but realistically). Of course some games and quarters they should spam him the ball but again we're talking on average.

Pecking orders on basketball teams is a real thing and everyone knowing and being comfortable with their role is generally going to be is extremely important. At a certain point the Lakers went from Kareem's offense to Magic's offense. Various big 3s in the past involved people no longer averaging their career highs and hall of fame players like Ray Allen, Bosh, Love taking a back seat. There's a long history of this stuff.

[elchengue20]

Paul George is going to be the third option and the "glue guy".

He's the one whos going to see a decline in his scoring, not Maxey.

[the_process]

This reminds me of a story Daryl Morey shared about a meeting with James Harden, the Rockets players, and a potential recruit.

They were discussing the importance of sacrifice for the team's success. The recruit then chimed in, saying, "Sacrifice means doing whatever it takes to win the game, right?”

Everyone were nodding their head and said “yeah.. yeah..”

Then the recruit continued “Well, I'm a good shooter, so for me, sacrifice means shooting more."

Daryl Morey silently tells himself.. “well that sort of makes sense”

Would love to know who that was

[M2J]

The Celtics succeeded by playing as a cohesive unit, without relying heavily on Tatum to carry the scoring load. Everyone became a threat based on what the defense presented, while also sharing the responsibilities on defense, there was no single defensive anchor. Instead, everyone contributed.

I don't like the direction of these discussions, where it's suggested that Player A should step down for Player B to rise.

Oh, so Embiid is the anchor on defense? The Celtics can simply draw him away from the rim with a stretch 5. And if Maxey is going to be the primary offensive option, we’ll make him work hard on defense.

There are moments when Embiid will need to lead in scoring, and there are moments when he’ll need to step back. The same goes for Maxey. The main focus during the regular season should be on finding the right timing and pace for each player to shine, rather than forcing Player A to average 30 points, Player B 25, and Player C 20. Setting rigid scoring goals like this can lead to internal deterioration, which is exactly what Jason Kidd tried to exploit in the Finals against the Celtics by advocating for Tatum to get more touches, making it easier for the Mavs to defend. Similarly, Chet in PG’s podcast suggested he would create tension for the Sixers by asking Paul George who would take the last shot between him and Embiid, to which George wisely responded that it would depend on Nick Nurse's evaluation of the situation.

This x 1000.

These discussions about the #1, #2, and #3 pecking order and how many points everyone "should" average and who will take the last shot are missing the beauty of having a roster this deep with multiple options on offense possessing different strengths.

This should be a night to night and quarter to quarter deal giving Nick different ways to attack teams based on their personnel, weaknesses, and adjustments, and who has the hot hand - one night it might be Embiid eating up a mismatch, another might be Maxey on a heater, and so on and so on. If this turns into an ego thing with "how many shots I'm getting", I don't have a lot of hope for the season.

Ideally I agree, I didn't care what any of them average. But due to age and history and of course strengths....I would prefer if Joel truly focused on anchoring the defense, especially early on as they try to solidify the defense and rebounding the ball.... He can still be the hub of the offense with his DHO game, but more pick and pop and 3pt shooting.

Would prefer George at this stage to be a roamer defensively and floor spacer, but perhaps allow him to get more handling and closing ability in the 4th.

Maxey has the young legs, let him carry the scoring load. In part because he's not going to be as impactful a defender (though he needs to try). They also need to allow him to run with Martin and Oubre with George and Joel as trailers... This is the best way to get additional production from the other starters too.

In the playoffs or big games, focus on the matchups, but it's mainly to reduce some of the load on Joel who doesn't just get injured due to bad luck, he often got injured due to being one of the highest usage players in the NBA if not #1, while also being required to box out multiple people, rebound and anchor what typically are top defenses.

[LeonJordanJr24]

Oubre is the best 4th option in the league. Fyi

[76ciology]

This reminds me of a story Daryl Morey shared about a meeting with James Harden, the Rockets players, and a potential recruit.

They were discussing the importance of sacrifice for the team's success. The recruit then chimed in, saying, "Sacrifice means doing whatever it takes to win the game, right?”

Everyone were nodding their head and said “yeah.. yeah..”

Then the recruit continued “Well, I'm a good shooter, so for me, sacrifice means shooting more."

Daryl Morey silently tells himself.. “well that sort of makes sense”

Would love to know who that was

Im guessing either Carmelo Anthony in 2014 or Lamarcus Aldridge in 2015.

[ivysixer2000]

Oubre is the best 4th option in the league. Fyi

Yeah we are too worried about usage and such, they will figure it out.

There is a lot of talent on this team for a change, Jojo and Maxey will adapt.

[M2J]

Oubre is the best 4th option in the league. Fyi

Even I, Oubre's biggest supporter, would say he about top 4-5 at best.... But that's really good when you do have the best big 3 in the NBA. Celtics/Bucks/Nugz have better... Might argue Pels too

[ankle420breaker]

Oubre is a fine 4th option and he'll have nights where his usage is up. Legitimate 3-level scorer with elite athleticism and length. Definitely a problem when he's humming.

I also feel like Gordon and Jackson will have some random offensive performances that will help us squeeze out a few wins.

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[ivysixer2000]

Oubre is a fine 4th option and he'll have nights where his usage is up. Legitimate 3-level scorer with elite athleticism and length. Definitely a problem when he's humming.

I also feel like Gordon and Jackson will have some random offensive performances that will help us squeeze out a few wins.

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I've always liked Oubre's illogical confidence in his ability, just let him play.

What I do like about Gordon and Jackson is they are vets, but just last year, when forced to start both were double figure scorers. We haven't had that in the past few years at all, finally having depth should look great. I hope that KJ Martin and the Dancing Bear actually show something early so we don't have to do anything desperate at PF.

[76ciology]

Watch on YouTube

Justin Edwards and David Jones looked good. On the other hand, McCain's shot continues to fall short, and he struggles significantly against NBA level length and physicality.

[76ciology]

I see Oubre primarily serving as a pressure release valve for our team, looking to exploit gaps by driving to the basket, cutting, and taking open corner threes. However, I don’t expect him to be as heavily relied upon for creating offense as he was last season. Instead, I think we’ll lean more on Reggie Jackson and Eric Gordon.

[Murray_17]

Oubre is not an efficient scorer and he should not be taking more shots than caleb martin.

He also needs to take fewer 3s and just slash to the rim if he's gonna be a starter, he's gonna be the default guy defenses leave open

[WentzerWuver]

Watch on YouTube

Justin Edwards and David Jones looked good. On the other hand, McCain's shot continues to fall short, and he struggles significantly against NBA level length and physicality.

McCain was an open knockdown 3 man at Duke. Not his fault he was being pressured by SL players but I think he will learn to overcome that. Still, his signature quick release is made for the pros.

https://youtu.be/l-3lgYh4KAk?si=N6MZ1Dij3ze4YDs5