GeorgeMarcus wrote:Haven't been able to post much lately... I last dropped in before the Grizzlies game to say the Sixers' 4-game losing streak would mark the low point of our season. 3 games later and I'm feeling slightly more confident in my prediction. Here are some reasons as to why I believe the Sixers are 'just fine', relatively speaking.
1) Our remaining SOS is the 2nd easiest in the league (average win% of .455). This should help build momentum heading into the playoffs. It also means our current record should be viewed in context; 51-win pace is closer to 53/54-win pace if weighted for schedule distribution.
2) Horford is finally playing the role of 6th man! I've been asking for this all season, and expect the adjustment to pay dividends. Apparently Brett Brown wanted this from the start, but mgmt wasn't keen on the idea after signing Al for $109 mil. Better late than never.
3) Richardson is our 3rd most impactful player (yes, above Tobias and Horford in my opinion). His absence was understated during the recent 4-game slide.
4) Burks/GR3 compliment the team better than Neto/Ennis did. Even ignoring fit, they're likely better players overall.
5) We knew there would be a learning curve for the "big 5" to build chemistry. They've only played 20 games together, so the chemistry factor should trend upward (health willing).
6) We've now beaten the Bucks, Lakers, Raptors, Nuggets, Celtics (x3), Clippers, Jazz, Heat and Pacers. A win against the Rockets in Philly on 3/31 would solidify Ws against every contender in the league. I think that holds weight in playoff discussion.
7) The optics of 5th place have magnified our perceived struggles. Our current win% would be good for 3rd place last season. More credit should be given to the Bucks/Raptors/Celtics/Heat rather than detracted from the Sixers.
My point isn't to convince anybody the Sixers are Championship-bound, but I do think it's foolish to count them out. "Of course you think that. You're a Sixers fan." Well sure, you got me, but I never flexed after our win streak to start the season. I never flexed after a comfortable Christmas win over the Bucks or a comfortable Embiid-less win over the Lakers. I just know the season is long, and that peaks/valleys are to be expected. At the end of the day no amount of RS success would satisfy my longing for this team... Only the playoffs can do that.
TLDR: "The Sixers don't stink. In fact, you stink."
Yours Truly,
GeorgeMarcus
as long as you don't have to play Atlanta anymore you should be ok. 2-4 vs ATL since Trae arrived.