Sixers: What we should see happen this season in Philadelphia

The Sixers are on the cusp of a special youthful foundation. Here’s what we should see happen as they endure a weak Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia has improved their roster to what may seem marginally in a normal offseason. But considering this summer was one where stars were moved to Western Conference teams and perennial playoff contenders are now looking like bottom-feeders, the Sixers made huge strides this summer.

So, playoffs are actually in reach for the Sixers. And they are favorites to reach that goal. It’s an important one for the team, as it marks significant progress in this long rebuild. But just because the mid to bottom-half of the Eastern Conference decided to go the rebuilding route, doesn’t mean Philadelphia has an easy walk towards the playoffs.

That being said, here’s what we should see happen that’ll add to their successful quest to playoff basketball.

Health

Let’s just get this one out of the way first. The Sixers main core hasn’t been healthy, to say the least. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons look to make returns to the court and show stability in their bodies. The two are easily the team’s most valuable assets, as their uniqueness and size make them rare breeds, even in today’s versatile NBA. Beyond them, rookie Markelle Fultz suffered an ankle injury, and bench center Jahlil Okafor is trying to show his knees are fully recovered.

A lot more screens

Brett Brown has had some leeway thus far in his Philadelphia tenure. Rightfully so, as Brown took the job knowing what this rebuild entailed. But with a new talented roster, Brown has to adapt what has been a bland offensive scheme for the most part. He has shown a knack for curating complex inbounds plays under the basket, and has pushed for a fast-paced offense. He has succeeded in both those aspects.

What has been questionable are his half-court sets. According to Cranjis McBasketball (@T1m_NBA) of Laker Film Room, the Sixers were below the average percentages of pick and roll and off screens. (Percentages in relation to total possessions ending with a shot, turnover, or a foul). With the ability of Ben Simmons, and the shooting touch of Embiid, the Sixers should be using more screens to open up the offense, especially for the two young stars.

The Sixers were in the bottom half of field goals attempted when it came to the roll man and shots off screens.

J.J. Redick found success in catch and shoot scenarios, as Doc Rivers carefully crafted double screens in Los Angeles. Markelle Fultz and Redick will look to be safe kick-out options, creating a dynamic inside-out offense for the Sixers.

Brett Brown must adjust, and we should see it happen immediately.

Robert Covington extension

Robert Covington needs to get his payday. Debate whether his offensive inconsistencies could restrict the Sixers offense or not, but his defensive presence is what can glue together what has been an up and down defense. Covington’s abilities allow for Brett Brown to feel more comfortable in lineup experimentations. He alleviates the defensive worries on important offensive playmakers like Ben Simmons or Dario Saric.

He is a catalyst on the defensive side, leading the NBA in deflections per game with 4.2. These deflections often lead to transition opportunities, which will play well with this new roster.

Covington can still be a threat in this Philadelphia offense. Playing the wing next to Redick and Fultz no longer pins him as the main perimeter threat. But that’s not to say he can be left open on the outside. Easier opportunities for Covington to score will open up, which is why the Sixers must do what the can to extend him as soon as possible.

Cohesive defensive unit

On paper, a lineup of Fultz-Redick-Covington-Simmons-Embiid doesn’t scream defense. Embiid and Covington on stellar defensive players, and while Covington can matchup with various positions, Embiid is maximized underneath the basket as a rim protector.

Fultz and Simmons have the potential to be decent defenders, although their college careers have failed to prove it. Big bodied for their positions, Fultz and Simmons will have to improve lateral quickness to stay in front of ball-handlers along the perimeter.

The team just needs to improve as a unit. The Sixers were in the bottom half in opponent second chance points, opponent fast break points, and opponent points in the paint.

It wasn’t a horrible defensive showing, but not enough to alleviate the offensive struggles.

Minor rebranding

The Sixers did a beautiful job with their massive rebrand. Not only did they embrace the rebuild, they changed the look of their franchise by mixing some of the best uniforms in the team’s history and giving it a modern look.

With Nike becoming the new jersey makers for the NBA, each team will see some changes in their uniform. For Philadelphia, all should be minor. The red alternates, blue aways, and white homes should all look as clean as they did in years prior.

What we should expect is more of an emphasis on the team’s future, while the organization positions its history in a way that elevates excitement. Which is why Philadelphia should finally see a black alternate jersey.

The best era in Sixers basketball for younger NBA fans was the Allen Iverson-era. The team donned a black jersey that was as rigid as the face of the franchise and the city that welcomed him with open arms.

Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz are expected to bring this franchise back to a graceful light. Why not give them a little boost with a remake of those beloved black jerseys?

Next: Richaun Holmes' season role

The Sixers are on their way to becoming a force in this league. With some minor tweaks this season, we could be seeing the start of a special era for the franchise.