2018-19 Sixers Thread

[wlawn]

I can't believe I am going to say this but taking Simmons away from the point was a bad move. Simmons is without a position. Can someone please teach him how to keep his elbow in when he shoots. Watch him shoot fouls, elbow sticking out.

Embiid doesn't get sick, if, if, if.

 

[Obliviax]

There were also comments about Embid's knees last night. After the Cav's repeated runs to the finals, a couple of things:

• Everyone is beat up and sick
• It is important to win the early rounds in four games, the toll of those extra games comes back to haunt you. This is a reason why a high seed is important in the NBA (as well as home court, which is huge in the nba)
• Its as much about desire, the ability to fight through, as physicality. At this point, there is no such word as "try", there is only do or do not do.
• There is no telling if it is physical or mental, but it doesn't really matter...playoff experience counts
• If Embid is having knee problems at this young age, that isn't good. A key for the true elites (James, Kobe, Shaq, Bird, Johnson, Jordan, Pippen, etc) is that they were healthy for almost all of their careers, including the playoffs.
• If Embid is that sick, WTF was he doing playing in the middle of the 4th quarter down by ~ 30 points?
• 76ers have to find a way to win ugly. All NBA champs have won games ugly and it comes with the physical nature of the playoff series, refs swallowing their whistles, and playing under that kind of pressure. Even the Warriors win a few games ugly. 76ers, IMHO, are going to have to move Embid to the paint in those games to outmuscle Gasol. This is one of the unseen problems with having a 5 that can shoot threes...you really don't want him out there in physical games.
• Raptors where just on in their offense. Even contested shots were going in. It happens. 76ers collapsed under that onslaught in the 3rd qtr. But there are only 7 possible games. Can't give a game up because someone is hot, have to keep fighting.
• Again, have to wonder about the 76ers maturity in these kinds of games. This is the NBA's "second season" and it is much different than the first season. The good news is, they have the talent.

 

[wlawn]

I agree with the post, but the Sixers were not ready for the double team. Embiid needs to improve his all around post play, passing...ouch

 

[WestSideLion]

FWIW, Jalen Rose made a point on ESPN this morning that Embiid and Simmons don't complement each other when it gets into playoff basketball (more half court), that Embiid belongs in the post, but Simmons doesn't shoot from outside or shoot well from the FT line.

Rose thinks the best move for the Sixers is to trade Simmons.

Sorry to see that game 6 comes so soon (tomorrow, Thursday) if indeed Embiid has a significant respiratory bug.

The Simmons situation is a conundrum. He’s still very young, but I don’t know that he’s yet shown signs of the improvement necessary to become a franchise cornerstone. He’s gotten by on sheer athleticism and mainly feasted on poor defenses running the fast break and penetrating to the rim.

The playoffs are showing his deficiencies. I am not sure Brown is the type of coach needed to get guys like Embiid and Simmons to the next level and bring this group of pieces together.

Maybe he is, but they stagnated this season in many ways and with much better talent in the starting 5. The franchise needs to make a decision on how to take the next step now. When they moved for Butler and Harris, it became a win immediately operation.

 

[Nitwit]

The Simmons situation is a conundrum. He’s still very young, but I don’t know that he’s yet shown signs of the improvement necessary to become a franchise cornerstone. He’s gotten by on sheer athleticism and mainly feasted on poor defenses running the fast break and penetrating to the rim.

The playoffs are showing his deficiencies. I am not sure Brown is the type of coach needed to get guys like Embiid and Simmons to the next level and bring this group of pieces together.

Maybe he is, but they stagnated this season in many ways and with much better talent in the starting 5. The franchise needs to make a decision on how to take the next step now. When they moved for Butler and Harris, it became a win immediately operation.

Simmons just can’t shoot. Once he passes the ball he frees the defense to double team others. He frequently misses layups and he never even tries anything longer than 10 feet. A point guard has to be able to shoot when called upon and in today’s game make a three pointer when left open. I would look to trade him in the off season, maybe even for a good first round pick.

 

[WestSideLion]

Simmons just can’t shoot. Once he passes the ball he frees the defense to double team others. He frequently misses layups and he never even tries anything longer than 10 feet. A point guard has to be able to shoot when called upon and in today’s game make a three pointer when left open. I would look to trade him in the off season, maybe even for a good first round pick.

There are reports - who knows about accuracy - that the franchise would move him as part of a deal for someone like Anthony Davis. If they make that tough call - and it’s far from a layup - then they need to do it this offseason, IMO.

I do not think they trade Simmons for a pick. That’s too risky. They need a star piece in return.

 

[Judge Smails]

Maybe he is, but they stagnated this season in many ways and with much better talent in the starting 5. The franchise needs to make a decision on how to take the next step now. When they moved for Butler and Harris, it became a win immediately operation.

They played about 10 regular season games with the complete starting lineup. They finished up the #3 seed. Simmons 22, Embiid 25, Harris 26, Butler, 29. If they can keep the core together, they are not in a "win immediately" mode, despite the panic of the fans who jumped on the bandwagon late. The biggest problem in the playoffs has been the health of Embiid, knee tendinitis and now being sick. If they can run it back again next year and improve the bench with the use of the MLE and signing everyone back using their bird rights, they should once again be a top team in the East.

 

[WestSideLion]

They played about 10 regular season games with the complete starting lineup. They finished up the #3 seed. Simmons 22, Embiid 25, Harris 26, Butler, 29. If they can keep the core together, they are not in a "win immediately" mode, despite the panic of the fans who jumped on the bandwagon late. The biggest problem in the playoffs has been the health of Embiid, knee tendinitis and now being sick. If they can run it back again next year and improve the bench with the use of the MLE and signing everyone back using their bird rights, they should once again be a top team in the East.

I don't think there's panic from me, as much as telling it like it is. Josh Harris expects them to win now and show progress. Yes, they made a ton of moves - presumably to position themselves to beat Toronto, Boston and Milwaukee in the playoffs - and that has led to some chemistry building, etc.

You can't say they've made that kind of progress this season. The reasoning is up for debate. It's fair to ask questions about coaching, front office and player fit. Ultimately, it's a talent-driven league and they gave up quite a bit for Butler and Harris. They plan to extend those guys and continue building with them. Doing that limits what can be changed.

 

[Judge Smails]

I don't think there's panic from me, as much as telling it like it is. Josh Harris expects them to win now and show progress. Yes, they made a ton of moves - presumably to position themselves to beat Toronto, Boston and Milwaukee in the playoffs - and that has led to some chemistry building, etc.

You can't say they've made that kind of progress this season. The reasoning is up for debate. It's fair to ask questions about coaching, front office and player fit. Ultimately, it's a talent-driven league and they gave up quite a bit for Butler and Harris. They plan to extend those guys and continue building with them. Doing that limits what can be changed.

You telling it like it is, bro? Impressive.

Sixers aren't going anywhere with their best player unhealthy. Would be the same for the Raptors if Leonard was sick, Bucks with Giannis, Golden State with KD, etc. And it takes time for a team to gel. Defensive rotations in particular take time to perfect.

 

[dbsteel]

There are reports - who knows about accuracy - that the franchise would move him as part of a deal for someone like Anthony Davis. If they make that tough call - and it’s far from a layup - then they need to do it this offseason, IMO.

I do not think they trade Simmons for a pick. That’s too risky. They need a star piece in return.

I'd trade Simmons for Anthony Davis in two seconds. But they'll have to give up a lot more than that.

 

[dbsteel]

They played about 10 regular season games with the complete starting lineup. They finished up the #3 seed. Simmons 22, Embiid 25, Harris 26, Butler, 29. If they can keep the core together, they are not in a "win immediately" mode, despite the panic of the fans who jumped on the bandwagon late. The biggest problem in the playoffs has been the health of Embiid, knee tendinitis and now being sick. If they can run it back again next year and improve the bench with the use of the MLE and signing everyone back using their bird rights, they should once again be a top team in the East.

This is a guard driven league, and their guards are nowhere near good enough. I love JJ Reddick- off the bench. 3 points last night. 10 points out of your starting back-court. Terrible.

 

[WestSideLion]

You telling it like it is, bro? Impressive.

Sixers aren't going anywhere with their best player unhealthy. Would be the same for the Raptors if Leonard was sick, Bucks with Giannis, Golden State with KD, etc. And it takes time for a team to gel. Defensive rotations in particular take time to perfect.

Dude, why the constant condescension? I’m sharing what I think are rational views on this team and playing the part of a fan. There’s a reason I’m chewing the fat on a message board and not running a franchise.

But you come across like anyone with an opinion you disagree with is a shit bag. It’s unbecoming.

 

[Judge Smails]

Dude, why the constant condescension? I’m sharing what I think are rational views on this team and playing the part of a fan. There’s a reason I’m chewing the fat on a message board and not running a franchise.

But you come across like anyone with an opinion you disagree with is a shit bag. It’s unbecoming.

“Fans” who immediately call everything shitty because their team didn’t win the most recent game annoy the hell out of me. Your sweeping generalizations about the state of the team wouldn’t have been stated after Game 3. They are the #3 seed who was picked to lose to the #2 seed by 18 of 20 writers on ESPN.com. If Leonard goes to the West Coast, Kyrie leaves the Celtics, they have a good chance to be the top team in the East next year. I can’t stand front-runners.

 

[WestSideLion]

“Fans” who immediately call everything shitty because their team didn’t win the most recent game annoy the hell out of me. Your sweeping generalizations about the state of the team wouldn’t have been stated after Game 3. They are the #3 seed who was picked to lose to the #2 seed by 18 of 20 writers on ESPN.com. If Leonard goes to the West Coast, Kyrie leaves the Celtics, they have a good chance to be the top team in the East next year. I can’t stand front-runners.

I’ve been a Sixers (and Phillies, Eagles and Flyers) fan my whole life. I’m anything but a front runner. Once again, you stereotype and condescend vs discuss differing opinions.

The Sixers spent years tanking to get to this point. There are big existential questions about whether it worked or will pay off. Calling out those questions and some of the issues to address going forward isn’t front running.

For the record, I still felt they’d lose the series after game 3, where Embiid and Simmons combined for like 20 points. My comment to my family during and after that game - we text religiously during all Philly sports games - was that it was a great win, but would be hard to replicate because of how Toronto limited the big 2. That’s been exactly what has happened for one reason or another.

 

[Yboby]

Too bad Markelle Fultz didn't work out for them.

 

[royboy]

Too bad Markelle Fultz didn't work out for them.

Huge miss.

 

[jmorovich]

I am holding off on my game 5 takes for fear of having them held against me in the event of a game 6 win! Just so many variables I honestly have no feel for this series.

I wouldn’t be shocked with any outcome of game 6....

Sixers win in a blowout
Sixers win a close one
Raptors win a close one
Raptors win in a blowout

 

[Relayer]

That's a lame crowd in Milwaukee. The Wells Fargo would be going insane right now.

 

[PSUcup1]

Watching this Golden St vs Houston game. The nba is basically a step down in legitimacy from the WWE

 

[Judge Smails]

I’ve been a Sixers (and Phillies, Eagles and Flyers) fan my whole life. I’m anything but a front runner. Once again, you stereotype and condescend vs discuss differing opinions.

The Sixers spent years tanking to get to this point. There are big existential questions about whether it worked or will pay off. Calling out those questions and some of the issues to address going forward isn’t front running.

For the record, I still felt they’d lose the series after game 3, where Embiid and Simmons combined for like 20 points. My comment to my family during and after that game - we text religiously during all Philly sports games - was that it was a great win, but would be hard to replicate because of how Toronto limited the big 2. That’s been exactly what has happened for one reason or another.

Embiid scored 33 in Game 3.

If it was Kawhi who was sick instead of Joel in Games 4 and 5, the Sixers would have already moved on to the Conference finals.

 

[WestSideLion]

Embiid scored 33 in Game 3.

If it was Kawhi who was sick instead of Joel in Games 4 and 5, the Sixers would have already moved on to the Conference finals.

You're right. As soon as I posted that, I realized I was referring to game 2. Either way, that game 2 has been more the trend with Embiid and Simmons so far this series for a variety of reasons. I get the illness and bad luck angle with Joel. But to win, the Sixers still need more consistency from both of them against top teams. Some of that is experience and development. Some of that is coaching and schemes. Some of that is luck.

 

[Judge Smails]

 

[Judge Smails]

Let’s f#cking go!

 

[Nitwit]

Ugh, turnovers ....

 

[jmorovich]

Sixers stuck in mud....were up 13-5...now down 15-13

Embiid 0 points

 

[nitlion93]

Sixers now up 23-15. A game of scoring runs. These refs are killing me already. Calling ticky tack calls against the Sixers and nothing the other way.

 

[jmorovich]

Game over...Sixers win quarter one so according to the trend I can shut it down!!

 

[jmorovich]

God forbid if this team is consistent for more than 5 mins.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

58-43, Sixers, at the half. Nice 2nd quarter for the Sixers.

 

[wlawn]

Jimmy Bucket's

 

[bwifan]

Jimmy Buckets strapping this team to his back and carrying them to halftime

 

[Tom McAndrew]

87-67, Sixers, after 3 quarters. JoJo with a strong quarter, both defensively and offensively.

 

[PSUcup1]

Gutsy performance tonight. Let’s keep it going on Sunday!

 

[jmorovich]

Mother’s Day is going to be tricky now....

 

[nitlion93]

WTF happened to the refs between the 5 and 4 minutes left in the game? Called like 6 fouls on the Sixers alone including two flagrant 1s .

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Final, 112-101, Sixers

Game 7 on Sunday, in Toronto

 

[royboy]

The +/- stats are not absolute indicators, but I don't recall a +40 performance like Joel Embiid is credited with in this boxscore. Amazing.

http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401129104

 

[Judge Smails]

Simmons is not at fault here. It’s embiid. Embiid alone. The guy demands the ball and carries on as the face of the NBA and then he shows up really really small in this series. He tries to call out sick twice. This is a guy that doesn’t want to win. I’m disgusted as a fan. Maybe he’s just missing the four milkshakes shamet used to get him.

Can’t believe the Sixers outscored the Raptors by 40 with weak diva Embiid on the floor

 

[Nitwit]

Well I was wrong about Simmons. He had a great game tonight. 0 turnovers and aggressive on offense both for his own shot and finding the open man. His points off of offensive rebounds were huge.

 

[shelley]

Well I was wrong about Simmons. He had a great game tonight. 0 turnovers and aggressive on offense both for his own shot and finding the open man. His points off of offensive rebounds were huge.

If this Simmons shows up in Toronto on Sunday , we win