reignfire wrote:ProcessDoctor wrote:After watching these last 2 games, I think we are one offseason and one more good role player away from being the best team in the league.
1. Embiid
2. Simmons
3. Butler
4. Harris
5. ??
6. Redick
7. Boban/Bolden (matchup)
8. Scott
9. Smith
I only see Milwaukee and Golden State rivaling that 9-man lineup.
Would you still feel this way if Toronto takes the Sixers out in 5 or 6 games?
I predicted the Sixers were gonna win in 5 vs the Nets off of Embiid's greatness, which is coming true.
But it takes way more than talent to win later on. Embiid is going to have a good series, but the Raptors are winning in 5 or 6.
The Sixers had 20 TOs last game and wasted many possessions. Good teams will not let that go unpunished. The Sixers are a very sloppy basketball team.
Unless we get absolutely humiliated, then I think I would for a few reasons:
1) Chemistry. The starting unit has only played 13 games together and has a 10-3 record. The TO's will go down once they become more familiar with one another. I also believe the defense can get back to where it was last season once guys know how to communicate with each other and understand where they're supposed to be.
2) Bench. Although we made some late additions with Ennis, Scott, and Boban I think our bench is still worse than what we had last year. It's definitely the worst bench among the top 4 teams in the East. If we bring in someone like Green/Beverley then our bench with Redick leading the way would become that much better. In the playoffs it comes down to your top 8-9, but each of those top 8-9 has to contribute in some way. Right now we have 7, and sometimes 6 (if Boban is a bad matchup).
3) There are no better alternatives. Butler is a top 20 player and one of the best two-way players and closers in the game. On paper, Harris is probably the best 4th star we could hope to fit around our big 3. JJ, while being a huge negative on the defensive end, is the best floor spacer available for the price he'll demand. I don't see the appeal of renouncing these guys in hopes of prying DLO or Brodgon away from their respective teams. If Kawhi or KD said they were coming? Sure, but there's a very low chance of that happening.