Sixers seem to be going all in on small ball without Joel Embiid

The Sixers are seemingly going full steam towards small ball, clearing any past connotations of having too many big men.

The Sixers season is coming closer and closer, and Joel Embiid has yet to be cleared to participate in 5-on-5 drills. Not that it should be a major concern, but Philadelphia may have to start the season without him — or more likely see him rest back to backs with a minute restriction.

With the departure of Nerlens Noel, and the constant seeking out for Jahlil Okafor trade partners, the Sixers don’t have many, if any, true centers. The Amir Johnson signing, which I have constantly criticized for the amount of money, is proving to be more sensible now. Johnson was always thought of as a small ball center, and now he may start the season at the role.

Not that Johnson is the perfect small ball center, but he’s the best option the Sixers currently have. Unless, of course, Brett Brown is ready to place Ben Simmons in that role. Simmons and Dario Saric manning the frontcourt brings out obvious defensive issues, but it would cause nightmares for opposing coaches matchup-wise.

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Simmons using a “point-center” role will place the question of, who will the opposing big man defend? Saric is quick enough to get by most big man along the perimeter, and hardly any center will be able to stay in front of the freakish speed Simmons has.

It’s easy to say that the opposing team just throws in their best perimeter defender to play on Simmons, but then that leaves perimeter threats J.J. Redick and Markelle Fultz with less intimidating defenders. If the other team tries to go small, that’s where Robert Covington and Simmons’ rebounding will have to come into play.

For the small-ball lineup to work effectively, the rebounding percentages must stay at an at-least average rate. This way, it can ignite the transition offense that Brett Brown is utilizing.

I would be remiss to fail to mention Richaun Holmes. Holmes has proven to be a decent backup big, primarily at the center position. Though his rebounding is subpar, the energy he brings on both sides of the ball play well with the scheme of the offense. He isn’t the best at gaining positioning down low, but his athleticism allows him to make up for it on occasion.

Next: Sixers countdown to tipoff

The Sixers went from the logjam at center, to having just one true center in the regular rotation.