NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia 76ers are heading into the 2022-23 NBA season with championship dreams, and rightfully so. After 2nd Round failures in the last few years, this may be their best roster since the “Trust The Process” era began. This offseason, moves were made to not only add talent around Joel Embiid but to add the necessary depth just in case he can’t go the distance.
The Starting 5 is a solid core but the bench, well, that may just be where the 76ers earn their title. Outside shooting is a weapon at their disposal and with Embiid in the post, which team has better options? I guess the bigger question is; can Doc Rivers get everything he can from this unit? If everyone can agree on their roles and stay in their lanes, there is not a better team, possibly in the NBA that can go toe-to-toe with the Philadelphia 76ers in a 7-game series.
Philadelphia 76ers Guards
The 76ers were in desperate need of guard play heading into the offseason and the front office made sure to address that issue. With Tyrese Maxey and James Harden leading the way, the 76ers main focus was to remedy their issues regarding the reserves. Not just the scoring aspect of the game, they were in need of solid defenders. With the addition of De’Anthoy Melton to pair with the great outside shooting of Furkan Korkmaz, and the dribbling penetration of Shake Milton, the 76ers can now boast a solid rotation of guard play.
Harden averaged 21.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 10.5 assists while with the 76ers and that was perceived as a disappointment. Maxey, on the other hand, had a breakout year after averaging 17.5 points. and yet, he and Harden are still not mentioned as a top duo in the league. Melton (10.8 points) was great in a reserve role for the Memphis Grizzlies and Korkmaz (7.6 points) and Milton (8.2 points) provided a steady hand last season for the 76ers.
Philadelphia 76ers Forwards
This is where the 76ers will either fail or succeed. While the fingers will point to Joel Embiid or the backcourt as far as success goes, it’s the forwards where production is important. Leading the way here is Tobias Harris (17.2 points) who will now move to his natural SF position following the offseason addition of PJ Tucker. While Harris will bring offense, Tucker, Matisse Thybulle, and Daniel House Jr will bring the defensive intensity plus outside shooting needed in a tough Eastern Conference.
With the addition of Harden last season, Harris’ production fell off. But that was to be expected. Now, he can focus on his defense while still providing offense from the perimeter. Georges Niang (9.2 points) is a sniper from long-distance who also provides solid rebounding. House Jr is a good shot from deep and Thybulle is a defensive ace. Then you add Tucker who does everything the 76ers lacked last season. This group of forwards are tough.
Philadelphia 76ers Centers
Embiid deserved to win MVP last season. However, this year will pretty much go the same way. The 76ers are too stacked to run everything through him. But at the same time, how can you ignore a man who averages 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game? Backing him up will be another new addition in Montrezl Harrell. For the first time in years, the 76ers are not just loaded, they are athletic on both ends of the floor.
We can talk about the health issue for Embid until we’re blue in the face. Even if he misses time this season, the 76ers can afford it. With Harrell, he’s more than serviceable enough to cover the rebounds and another 15 points per game. When you add in Tucker who can swing over if Doc wants to go small or bring in the young Paul Reed for energy, the 76ers now have better options.
Philadelphia 76ers Coach
Doc Rivers always gets a bad rap and that’s mainly due to his time with the Los Angeles Clippers. His teams there were just as loaded but collapses in the playoffs have left a dark streak on his coaching resume. Although he does have a championship to his name, Rivers is now being treated as if he has not paid his dues.
He’s a tough-nosed coach and as we’ve seen with the Ben Simmons situation, he’s not afraid to say what’s on his mind. Winning this year, with this team, will cement him as one of the best in the game. But he does have his faults. However, how long can we continue to ignore the 1043 regular season wins and 18 trips to the playoffs in 23 seasons?
