My Sixers Lineup

     It's been a long time since my last post. Many things have happened with free agency (Paul Millsap to the Nuggets, Hayward to the Celtics, etc.) and even trades (Kyrie for IT). Now that the season will be starting within a little longer than a month, here is what I think the Sixers starting lineup should be.

STARTING LINEUP

PG: Markelle Fultz

     The #1 overall pick from this years draft is a lock for the starting point guard position. There's a reason why he was picked first overall over players like Lonzo Ball or Josh Jackson. Lonzo may be a better passer and Josh Jackson may be a better defender, but Markelle Fultz was the best fit for this team. We needed a point guard who could do everything, shoot, pass, and rebound, and that's exactly what we are getting with Fultz. He may not be someone who will average a high amount of assists, but that's not what we exactly need because we have Ben Simmons who will be handling the ball along with Fultz. At Washington last year, he averaged 23.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. I believe that could be his ceiling in the NBA, but I would be pleased if he averaged 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists this year on 45% from the field and 37% from 3. What he really needs to work on is his free throw percentage, which was 64.9% last year. A point guard should be able to make more than 65% of his free throws. That is the major thing he should work on, and it isn't hard to fix, so Markelle Fultz should be able to really help the Sixers this year. I would expect Fultz to average around 13 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds.

SG: JJ Reddick

     Reddick was another great addition this offseason to the Sixers. What the Sixers lacked most last season was a true 3 point threat. Reddick ranked 6th overall last year in 3-point percentage with an astounding 42.5%. We can expect more shooting like that from JJ this upcoming year and it will greatly help the offense. When Embiid is getting doubled down low (and maybe even Simmons depending on how he looks out the gate), Reddick is the perfect shooter to kick out to for an open shot. Downside with Reddick is that's really all you get out of him. Last year, he had averages of 1.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game. He's also a below average defender, but thankfully we have other defenders who can make up for that. I would expect Reddick to average around 12 points a game and hopefully shoot above 40-42% from three. 

SF: Robert Covington

I'm really going to miss these jerseys. They were so beautiful

     

     Robert Covington may be one of my favorite players on this team. He seems to be able to do everything. He's an elite defender (some may argue that he is still not on an elite level, but the dude did finish 4th in Defensive Player of the Year Award ahead of known elite defenders such as Patrick Beverly and Andre Roberson), good shooter and finisher, great rebounder, and he is serviceable as a passer. Last year, he averaged 12.9 points, 1.9 steals, 1.0 blocks, 1.5 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game on 39.9% from the field and 33.3% from deep. Now you may be saying those shooting numbers are not so great, but they are skewed because of the slump he had at the beginning of the season. Towards the end of the season, he was putting up around mid-teens to even around 20 points per game and was consistently hitting around 40% from 3. His rebounding totals were around double-digits at this time which I think would be a great thing for the Sixers. It's always good having as many rebounding presences on a team to make sure you don't allow second chances. Covington, Simmons, and Embiid will make sure that nobody can put the ball back in the hoop after a missed field goal. Many believe the Sixers saved some money after this years free agency in order to give Covington an extension. As long as he stays with the beautiful mohawk and not the cornrows or the stupid Noel-like dreads, I will love Cov to matter what. I would like Covington to average 13 points, 2 assists, and 6 rebounds per game for me to continue running the Lord Covington train, final stop, Larry O'Brien Trophy.

PF: Ben Simmons

     Thankfully, Ben Simmons killer Shawn Long was traded to the Houston Rockets for them to be able to acquire Chris Paul, so we shouldn't have to worry about him getting injured again right before the season starts. That being said, we don't really know what to expect out of Simmons this year. Sure he looked fantastic in last years Summer League, but that was against rookies and scrubs and that was before the Jones fracture. I do believe he will still be able to show that in the NBA this year, but we can't really be certain as of now because we haven't seen anything real out of him yet. He will most likely be the primary ball handler alongside Markelle Fultz and he will easily be able to garner a large amount of assists (of which he averaged 4.8 in college and 5.5 in summer league). He will also be able to control the boards after averaging 7.5 in summer league and 11.8 in college. There are a couple of problems that I see with Simmons. I don't believe he will be that great of a scorer, at least to begin his NBA career. What really hurts him is his shooting, defenders will sag off of him on deep shots and he either won't take them or usually won't make them. He's not a terrific free throw shooter, shooting 67% in college, but he's not atrocious either. Both of these problems he can easily work on and solve quickly in the future. I would like Simmons to average around 10 points, 6 assists, and 8 or so rebounds.

C: Joel Embiid

Once again, those jerseys are absolutely fire.

     Joel Embiid will 100% be the best player on this team... if he can stay healthy. Not only will he be the best player on this team, but he's a one in a million player. He could possibly be one of the best players to ever play the sport if he can improve upon what he did in his first year. There's nothing much Embiid really needs to work on, except being healthy. He's a dominant force down low, not only a great finisher and posterizer, but he also has the post moves of Hakeem. There was one move he pulled where you can put one of Hakeem's moves right next to it and there is little to no difference. He's also utilized as a stretch big, shooting 36.7% from downtown this past year. Not only is he a transcendent player on the offensive side, but he can also be one of the best defenders in the league. He's a great one on one defender and an even better rim protector. He was able to clamp up John Wall after being switched on to him, forcing him to throw up a contested jumper at the end of the shot clock. He's had some really breathtaking blocks like the one on LeBron (it technically was goaltending, but don't try to stop the circlejerk) and Cody Zeller (I was there for it live and it was truly one of the greatest things I've ever seen). Of course his biggest concern is his health. Before last year, he sat out his first 2 seasons with foot problems and only ended up playing 31 games last season, averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. I would like to see Embiid play at least 50 games this season and average 21 points per game, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Honestly, I will take a bit of a drop in his averages if he is able to stay healthy for the year.

BENCH

2nd PG: TJ McConnell

You may think that TJ looks a little off, but no, that's exactly what he looks like.

     It's a disgrace that I'm not even starting the greatest player to ever touch a basketball. TJ has done more than expected the past two years. He went undrafted and just beat out Summer League legend Scottie "Too Hottie" Wilbekin for a roster spot (Wilbekin later went on to play overseas with other Sixer legend Furkan Aldemir). This may be the greatest decision Sam Hinkie and the Sixers have ever made. Since the Sixers never really had a true point guard (Ish Smith was the only one but he was in and out of the team), so TJ was able to get a decent amount of minutes. In his rookie season, TJ put up averages of 6.1 points, 4.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Last year, he improved upon everything with averages of 6.9 points, 6.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. He's put in his fair share of fantastic performances. In a loss to Boston, he dished out a career high 17 assists and propelled him into the Sixers record books as one of the highest assist totals for a Sixers player in a game. In another game against the Pistons, he almost got a triple double, coming an assist away with a statline of 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Finally, what we will always remember for the rest of our lives, is the game winner against the Knicks. He was able to nail the jumper to win the game at the buzzer over Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony, but that wasn't even the best part. After hitting the game winner, TJ ran to the end of the court and did a perfect impression of the Michael Jordan fist pump (which is still Embiid's twitter profile picture to this day). If TJ can work on his deep-range shot (defenders leave him open, he never takes them, and he only shot 20% on less than one attempt per game), he would be a perfect player for any team. His defense is what impresses me the most, the gritness he plays with going after every ball and playing his hardest on every single play. With Markelle Fultz taking over as the starting point guard, TJ will unfortunately not be getting a lot of minutes. I would like him to average 5 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game in 15 minutes or so.

2nd SG: Jerryd Bayless

     Jerryd Bayless is another question mark for the Sixers. He was another addition the Sixers added the year before hoping that he could add scoring and a veteran presence, but he ended up playing only 3 games. In that small sample, he still looked like he could do what we needed out of him. He put up 11 points, 4.3 assists, and 4 rebounds per game while playing 23.7 minutes and only starting 1 out of those 3 games. His minutes played will definitely drop off due to Markelle Fultz starting at the point and Reddick starting at the 2 (Bayless is a combo guard and can play both the 1 and the 2). With a prediction of less minutes for him, obviously his production will decrease also. However, that does not detract from the fact that Bayless is yet another elite 3-point shooter whom the Sixers were in dire need of. In his 3 games as a Sixer, Bayless hit 40% of his three pointers and the year before as a Buck he shot 43.7% on 4.4 attempts per game. With a high volume shooter like Bayless (who is very similar to JJ Reddick in the type of playstyle we will have them assume), the Sixers will benefit tremendously. I would like Bayless to average around 8 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds.

2nd SF: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

TLC is actually a beautiful man, no homo though.

     At the beginning of last season, Timothe was riding the bench. There were better and more experienced players ahead of him that were getting more playing time and stopping him from seeing the court. After a couple of stints in the D-League (I can't believe they allowed Gatorade to buy the rights and rename it the G-League), TLC was finally able to see garbage minutes with the Sixers. In February, TLC was starting to see minutes each game and putting up around 5-10 points. At the end of the season, he was given more minutes and took advantage of that, putting up points in the high teens. It may not seem like a lot, but just remember that TLC was only a rookie and he has a lot of potential. He looks like he can progress to a great defender (albeit not on an elite level like Covington and Embiid, but maybe like McConnell) and a very good finisher. TLC has had some nice dunks and he should be able to use his length to his advantage (he's only 6'6, but his arm length makes him look much bigger). I would like to see a consistent 7 points, 1 assist, and 2 rebounds as a back up 2 or 3. Being that it's only his second year, he still probably won't get that much in the way of playing time, maybe 10 or so minutes.

2nd PF: Dario Saric

I really like how Dario grew out his 'stache and goatee.

     I would put the Rookie of the Year (voters really messed up, one of the sixers should have won it. Not dissing Brogdon though, he did have a nice year, but Dario deserved it more) at the power forward position and try to run a small-ball lineup. Since the NBA is really starting to follow this, it shouldn't hinder the Sixers all that much. He finally came over from Euopre, and Dario had a great rookie season with averages of 12.8 points, 2.2 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game. With Embiid in the lineup, he wasn't utilized as much because of Embiid's powering force in the paint. Saric is more of a low post scorer, bu the can also hit the middy or even the deep shot. Although 31.1% isn't so great, it's not too bad either. He has room to improve and when you watched him in game it seemed to be better than those statistics. It's not like he was forcing up bad shots, which would be hard to undo. With Dario at the 4, he will have a difficult time defending bigger and tougher players. He's already not a great defender yet and making him play defense on players like Anthony Davis (Embiid will have to play on Demarcus Cousins and Covington is not big enough either to play on him either) and Blake Griffin (you can maybe put him on Gallinari, but he's also huge). If Saric can continue to work on his jump shot and bulk up even more, he could be the Toni Kukoc of the Sixers (the perfect sixth man, not just another foreign player). I would hope Dario can average around 10 points, 2 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. He's definitely going to take a step back this year with (dear god please) Embiid being healthy, Simmons being healthy (hopefully staying that way), and a reduced role in the team due to Simmons taking his playing time. 

2nd C: Richaun Holmes

Third time these beauties make the cut!

     Richaun Holmes was a pleasant surprise last year. Sure he was serviceable in his rookie year, but last year he showed he could be a really good role player on this team. He improved in every statistical aspect leading to averages of 9.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 0.7 steals on 55.8% from the field and even 35.1% from 3. Richaun has shown that he can be a great pick setter in the pick and roll and can easily catch lobs and throw them down with force after the fact. He is a very good offensive rebounder (averaging 1.7 offensive rebounds last year) and does not find trouble using his big frame to push people out of the way and put the ball back in the net. He could be a poor man's Hassan Whiteside or Andre Drummond with a better jump shot. I would like to see Richaun put up 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block per game and further increase his 3-point percentage to around 37% in limited minutes. And please dear god Richaun keep that beautiful afro and not the cornrows.

11th Man: Jahlil Okafor

     I know after last year that Jah does not seem to be a good fit for this team, but he still has the potential to be something and the Sixers can't let it go to waste. He has some of the best footwork I've ever seen (obviously Embiid's is better, but you can't deny that Okafor looks beautiful out there) and he doesn't have trouble scoring down low, but he literally can't do anything else. TJ McConnell (6) had more rebounds than him (2) in a game and don't get me started on his piss poor defense. There was one play against the Heat where the play was occurring right at his spot, and he just stood there. He let Hassan Whiteside grab the offensive board (sure it's hard to beat out Hassan for a board, but for god's sake he could have tried), and he just watched him put it back in without even moving an inch. It's sad how bad he's become, but it's his own fault. Hopefully vegan Okafor (next Hoodie Melo?) can do better. I'm expecting around 6 points and 2 rebounds from Jahlil in garbage minutes.

12th Man: Amir Johnson

     Sure we just gave this man $11 million, but it was only for one year. Amir is here to provide veteran presence and maybe grab some rebounds in some garbage minutes. He won't play over Richaun, Dario, Simmons, and Embiid because they are leaps and bounds better than him and need playing time to develop. I really like this signing because his contract will be up next year, and he's a great player that Saric, Simmons, Embiid, etc. can learn from. He was the last player to be drafted out of high school, so he's had a lot of experience in the NBA. From barely getting any playing time, to starting for both the Raptors and the Celtics, Amir Johnson has seen it all and played pretty well. He's never put up a lot of points (10.4 in 28.8 minutes was his highest), but he can be counted on for a decent amount of boards (highest 7.5, average 5.7). I expect around 2 points and 2 rebounds for Amir Johnson this year.

Reserve 1: Nik Stauskas

     Poor Sauce. We fleeced the Kings when we got him, but he hasn't been able to produce since he came in the league. Sure he's looked better, but he still needs more. He was supposed to be a sharpshooter, but we have still yet to see that (averaging 34.3% from deep in his career). He's good for a couple highlight plays a year (I feel like whenever he chucks a 3 at the end of a quarter, it has at least a 75% chance to go in for Stauskas), but that's about it. The only thing he's consistent at is being mediocre. Maybe having him go to the G-League (I honestly hate saying that) would help him and his confidence, but I highly doubt and even still we wouldn't need him. It's been to long waiting for Stauskas to start producing, and he's probably on the way out soon. I'd hate to see him go because he seems like such a good teammate and player. I only wish the best for Sauce Castillo, but if he even plays he'll probably only average a point per game or so. 

Reserve 2: Furkan Korkmaz

     Korkmaz was drafted 26th in the 2016 draft and stayed overseas for a year (go ahead and make the joke about how he'll never come over like you did with Dario). Korkmaz is a really good prospect, young and a sharpshooter, but that's about it for now. He's basically what TLC was for us last year: play him some minutes to get him experience, and if he starts playing well, more minutes for him. There really isn't a good prediction for Korkmaz because his minutes will depend on injuries, how he plays, and how everyone else plays. I think he will most likely only average a point per game in very limited minutes.

Holy Shit I Just Remembered Him: Justin Anderson

    Annoying hair color legend (that shade of brown does not match his complexion at all) was almost forgotten. I'm not really a fan of his playstyle, but he will definitely be getting minutes (he averaged 21.6 for us last year, so I'll predict around 10 or so). He's supposed to be a 3 and D player, but he's not really that good at either. He shot 29.2% from 3 with the Sixers last year (holy shit I didn't know it was that bad) and he's a good on ball defender, but I still want more out of him (he doesn't have to be RoCo or Embiid good, maybe a poor man's Andre Roberson). Anderson seems to be a better version of KJ McDaniels: you'll see a couple of highlight plays (definitely less than KJ though, that's literally all he could do), good defense, and they'll play their heart out. I'll never forgive Anderson for stealing TJ McConnell's jersey number (we all know that TJ is #1 because he's the GOAT, but he still deserves that #1 jersey). I would like to see him get 4 points and 2 rebounds per game and increase his 3-point percentage to 32% AT THE LEAST.

*** note: these predictions are not too realistic because the team would be putting up 119 points per game, greater than the Warriors averaged last year. Unfortunately, the Sixers are not the Warriors, although TJ McConnell would put a beating on Steph Curry any day.