Predicting The Sixers Starting Lineup
Apr 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (5) reacts to a missed 76ers shot against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Bucks won 107-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t have many disagreements, and really agree with your premise that the Sixers should want to surround Okafor and Noel with three point shooters. With neither of the duo having much of a jumper, and both being talented passing big man, it could really open up the offense. I do differ in one spot though, and that’s point guard.
PG, Ish Smith
Yes, he hasn’t re-signed yet. And yes, the Sixers are bringing in both Scottie Wilbekin and Pierre Jackson to compete for the point guard spot, but I don’t think the Ish era in Philadelphia is completely over. At this point, I’m not sure that Ish is going to find the pay upgrade that he may be looking for elsewhere and could land him back with the Sixers.
Ish is replaceable, but what he did to help Noel, in my mind, can’t be understated enough. Noel was already playing better before Ish arrived, but his game was really taken to a whole other level once he got here. With another big man added to the equation, I want a point guard like Ish that will be looking to make both their lives better. And while his shooting still leaves a lot to be desired, he makes up for it with his passing ability.
Next: Shooting Guard