The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Lonzo Ball Could Be Just What Philadelphia 76ers need

By Bret Stuter

Mar 23, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) speaks during a press conference during practice the day before the South Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) speaks during a press conference during practice the day before the South Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Consensus of Philadelphia 76ers fans is Markelle Fultz fits, Lonzo Ball doesn’t. But Lonzo Ball could be just what the doctor ordered

The underdog role fits the Philadelphia 76ers and the fanbase well. After all, head coach Brett Brown’s demeanor is nothing close to flamboyant. That’s just not his style. But that’s not the way the Philadelphia 76ers players have been.

From Wilt Chamberlain, Darryl Dawkins, Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson, and now even Joel Embiid, there is a distinctive attraction between the city and the players who excel. Swagger. Showmanship. Prime Time.  Philadelphia 76ers fans love it on their team, despise it on a rival’s roster.

So when I saw this tweet from Ike Reese, it forced me to think.

Could Lonzo Ball be just what the Philadelphia 76ers need? In a word? Yes.

Live Feed

The dream starting 5 for the Chicago Bulls 5 years from now
The dream starting 5 for the Chicago Bulls 5 years from now /

Pippen Ain't Easy

  • Bulls' Lonzo Ball makes surprising declaration regarding knee injuryPippen Ain't Easy
  • NBA Rumors: Harden-Clippers courtship, Lonzo Ball update, Edwards loves Heat CultureFanSided
  • Bulls guard Lonzo Ball claps back at ESPN's Stephen A SmithPippen Ain't Easy
  • Chicago Bulls: Lonzo Ball clowns Stephen A. Smith on TwitterDa Windy City
  • Lonzo Ball confirms the Bulls' worst-case scenario is truePippen Ain't Easy

    • Undervalued, not undertalented

    Lonzo Ball has two weaknesses. He’s raw on defense, and if he’s not at the perimeter, he’s not scoring until he is hoisting a layup.

    Two very public and obvious vulnerabilities.

    But much like staring at the sun, focusing on those two weaknesses cause the observer to miss what he does so well. And there are plenty of talents to consider.  In fact, when a sure-fire NBA quality prospect begins to generate as many “why he won’t” articles as “why he will” topics, the “inner Sam Hinkie” begins to kick in.

    Trust The Process

    Have we learned nothing? The valuation of a professional athlete is what is really there, and what we believe we see to be there.  The antics of LaVar Ball have begun to interweave amidst the public opinion of Lonzo Ball’s talent level.  Now, it’s tough to distinguish the two as separate.

    Lonzo Ball has an almost extra sensory perception of who is on the basketball court, where they are, and when the open shot will develop. This is something we admired about Sergio Rodriguez and Dario Saric. It’s something we love about Ben Simmons. But we don’t seem to cherish it in Lonzo Ball?

    More from The Sixer Sense

    Duplicate Skills Reinforces Team

    Some say “We already have those skills with Ben Simmons”.  But did we in 2016-2017? Players get injured. Players rest.  Duplication of skillsets does not weaken a team roster, but rather reinforces the team play overall.

    Ball delivers on Simmons skills. In fact, he almost doubles up on what Simmons brings. So why not be happy to get him?  After all, his presence helped buoy the performance of UCLA this year.  Don’t we want a player on the team who improves the overall play of his teammates?

    Yes, he has that ugly shot. Yes he doesn’t shoot jumpers. And yes, he has work to do on his defense.  But the young man simply joins the chain of confident flamboyant players who have always been part of the Philadelphia 76ers cherished history.

    Next: Why Philadelphia 76ers Will Continue Draft And Stash Strategy

    I say, if Lonzo Ball is there, select him.   We will be all the better team for it.