The Thirteen Misfit Toys

Feb 27, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward

(white jacket) reacts with team mates after a score against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers defeated the Wizards 89-81. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Thirteen Misfit Toys

Many of you know the regulations of the NBA. Some of you may not. Regardless of your NBA intelligence quotient, the process involved in the NBA is similar to that of other professional sports. One of the regulators to the process is the paring of the active roster to a finite number before the season begins. In football, that number is the magic “53”. In basketball, that magic number is thirteen active players.  There are overall fifteen roster spots.   The rule also allows 15 players to be under contract, and under certain extreme exceptions, allows those “spares” to see game time.

The rule was changed from twelve back in 2012.

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"“The sentiment amongst the committee is you’re required to have a 13-man roster as it is, and if you’re required to have a 13-man roster, you should be able to dress and have their services available,” NBA vice president Stu Jackson announced."

And so, the Philadelphia 76ers, who currently have 20 players associated with the team, must pare down to the required 13. Who stays and who goes? Good question.  The team is young, only boasting recent acquisitions Gerald Wallace, Carl Landy, and 13 year veteran  and three year Sixer Jason Richardson over the 30 year mark.   With the addition of Jahlil Okafor and Nik Stauskas, the team median age is 22.5 years of age.  Keep in mind that is very nearly the age of a four year graduating college senior.   With youth comes inconsistency, higher highs and lower lows.

And a brighter future.  So how do you project the luminosity of that future from the makings of this present roster?  Never fear, that’s why we are here.  We’ll give you our take and you decide.  We’ve already heard from Josh Wilson, who weighed in that this roster is like a bunch of misfit toys.

Let’s examine the positions and names of the players, and project who makes the cut?

Next: Jahlil Okafor=

Jul 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) shoots during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Center

Jahlil Okafor

I’d say this one is a wrap. With Embiid nursing his foot injury for the second year, the team will certainly cast their latest and greatest NBA draft prospect in the role at center stage.  We know the story .  It was a three player draft and Okafor was the player remaining when we selected.  But sometimes the results come better than expected.  Sometimes you get someone at the right place at the right time doing the right things.   Perhaps that best describes Jahlil Okafor’s unpredictable arrival to the Sixer’s roster.

With Joel Embiid continuing to nurse an injured foot, Okafor comes to the team at just the right time.  Nerlens Noel had a successful premier in the NBA.  But he was more defensive than offensive powerhouse.   Tony Wroten was the leading scorer on the team, but his style of play places him under the basket getting fouled.  The problem?  He cannot sink a shot from the free throw line.  What the Sixers desperately need is a big man to post low, who can score and who can hit a free throw.   Hello Jahlil Okafor.

While it’s early, we had a sneak preview of the big man in action in the NBA summer league.  The big man averaged 15.8 points per game (PPG), 8.4 rebounds per game (RPG), and 1.4 assists per game (APG).  If those numbers hold, it would place him near the top on the roster offensively.  His presence near the boards will give Philly another fire tower to set up alongside Noel.

But it won’t be all roses and wine for the young man.   As we had pointed out, down low is a place that draws fouls, and with Okafor, his free throw accuracy of 39% begs for the opponent to hack at him constantly.  We had talked how turnovers killed the 76ers last season.  Okafor’s 4.6 turnovers per game is far too many and will need improvement for the team to have any chance at success.  Still, the biggest elephant in the room is the basic question:  can Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel coexist?

With a season still months away, the players have some time to address their weaknesses, and Okafor has areas to address. But he’s young, and each day and shot add to his experience, and that improves the player.   While we have been tempering the optimism, many fans will have none of that.   Perhaps Okafor will impress and exceed expectations.  But with so much optimism already flowing in the young man’s direction, that will require one helluva season.

Next: Nerlens Noel

Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) saves a ball from going out of bounds against the New York Knicks in front of referee

(17) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Center/Power Forward

Nerlens Noel

Another certainty for the 2015/16 roster is Nerlens Noel.  Noel arrived back in the 2013 draft when the team traded perennial team leader and fan favorite Jrue Holiday for the rights to just Pelican picked Noel and a first round pick.   Noel was an unusual acquisition at the time, as he was rehabbing a knee and would not be available to the team immediately.  But delays and deferrals, player today for draft picks tomorrow, all seem to fall in line in general manager Sam Hinkie’s grand plan.

The Sixers received the first installment of Hinkie’s delayed player plan when Noel took the floor in 2014.   I would have to debut was a smashing success.   The team focused on defense, and Noel was certainly a leader in virtually all team categories:  rebounds, steals and blocks.  And with Noel providing a fully legitimate NBA big body, the team was able to show some resolve in holding opponents to 8.9 fewer points per game.

Noel had a difficult path in the 2014/15 season.  His role was defense.  While he showed up big on the team in that role, he did not break the 10 points per game barrier in his first season.   As we had discussed earlier, with the arrival of Okafor, Noel will have more opportunity to score.

Another positive from Noel is his ability to convert fouls into points.   While some of the team’s top scorers whiff at the free throw line, Okafor did manage a more respectable 60.9% from the line.  As the season progresses, we’re hoping for that number to approach the 70% mark.

Noel is young, but he’s definitely one of the keystone’s to the future.  When he’s not playing alongside Okafor, he’ll rotate in behind him.  That versatility will ensure his roster role for years to come.

Next: Tony Wroten

Jan 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tony Wroten (8) reacts to scoring a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the closing minutes of the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers 95-92. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Point Guard
Tony Wroten

The role for Tony Wroten may be up in the air.  You see, he was the 2014/15 season leading scorer for the team, and he was the heir apparent for Michael Carter Williams, who was dealt in the off-season.  He stepped up when the team needed offensive production.  His style brought on a difficult challenge to the opposing defenses, who found it almost mandatory to foul the guy as he sliced surgically towards the basket.   But…. he struggled to make the free throws.  So teams defended with fouls.

The team did not have a very good season.   We’ve talked about production, and ball security. Of the players remaining on the roster, Tony Wroten is by far the leader in turnovers.  But things do change.  In pairing Noel with Okafor, the dynamics of this team have already changed.  Now we have built in penetration from our two giants.  Now we have a person down low in the post who will fight for position.

What we will need is a navigator, someone who can take a defense one way and pass back through the defense to another open player.   Tony Wroten can be that player.  When he assists, he has a good eye for the open man.   One of his favorite targets – Robert Covington – shot an amazing 61% from beyond the arc when assisted by Wroten.

Wroten will need to change his game.   He will need to develop shots from mid and long range.  He will need to develop a shot from the free throw line.  He will need to develop into a supporting cast member and step down from the leading actor stage.   But he can.   Will he?   That’s a very good question.  I have him first as I think he may begin the season as a starter.  Ideally, his role is more of a sixth man… someone who comes off the bench with a hot hand who can up the tempo and score some points.

That’s likely to fit his style of play.

Next: Robert Covington

Apr 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) leans on the scorers table during the second half of a game against the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. The Wizards won 119-90. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Shooting Guard
Robert Covington

The fourth player to join this cast is none other than Robert Covington.  Covington has been a pleasant surprise for the Sixers, who took a chance in signing the just-released Hoston Rocket in November 2014.  Covington has been the type of player this Sixers team is looking to round out that roster. Who that is exactly is a long, athletic player who shows signs of developing into a good NBA player, but who needs several patient years to develop.  That way, he will likely come into his own in synch with the rest of the team’s timed events – likely in the 2016/17 season.

Covington, who has a 7-foot-2 wingspan, is an excellent three-point shooter who has the ability to get to the basket and is a good defender.  He shot over 81% from the free throw line last season.  Couple that with improving the accuracy on his three point shot from 37.5%, and you see the raw material of a player who will benefit greatly from focusing on his perimeter game.

His role could be

"“clearly to space the floor so (at the time of his arrival) Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel have room to operate. It’s just like we used to see Danny Green or Gary Neal [with the San Antonio Spurs] or whomever. You need people to stretch the floor.” – coach Brett Brown discussing Robert Covington"

The names have changed, but the role has not.   Replace Okafor for Embiid and you see how the Sixers have simply adjusted midstream to the news of Embiid’s continued difficulty with his foot.
Covington himself is no stranger to struggling to get to the floor.  He has had a very storied background of challenges of converting his talent into game minutes. In an almost Pappy Jack like fashion, Covington describes how he converted his detractors into motivation to play basketball.

"“As many times as people tell me I can’t do something that’s just more motivation. No matter what I did, people told me I wasn’t going to be able to make it. But I never listened to them because I knew I could do anything if I put my mind to it. With my family behind me, I knew I could do anything. Nobody can stop me but myself. That’s the way I think about it.”"

But this will be a new season, and that usually leads to either significant improvement, or a plateau statistically. Covington thinks he will improve:

"“Now that I have a season under my belt, I know what to expect. I know how teams are going to guard me so I can incorporate those things into my workouts and add other things to my game during the summer.”"

He’s projected to start this season, and is one of those players who could pleasantly surprise many. Should he optimize that three point shot, the team will do very well.

Next: Jerami Grant

Apr 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward

(39) in a game against the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. The Wizards won 119-90. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Small Forward
Jerami Grant

The Sixers front court is expected to be very good. You see, they have Nerlens Noel in his sophomore season. They just picked up Jahlil Okafor in the draft this year. And… and they have that other guy. Well, that other guy is Jerami Grant. He arrived unheralded in the second round of the NBA draft in 2014, and as is the case of many Philadelphia professional athletes, his selection was met with jeers.

And so, the young man arrived to a bad team with an expectation that he would be an anchor to even their modest hopes of success. Then disaster struck again and Grant was injured. Wow… But karma has it’s own path, and the time spent rehabbing enabled Grant to round out his game in a big way. He grew a three point shot into a viable option, which culminated in January and February, when he shot a combined 43.2% from beyond the arc. With his long distance range improving, the defenders now had to come out to him, and that really helped open up his entire game. Now that three point shot is a perfect fit for what this team needs.   And Grant enter his own version of a sophomore season.  It’s not too far fetched to expect his overall game to show marked improvement this season.

"“I think I had a good stretch, so I’m going to try to build off that in the offseason,” Grant said, specifically referring to the month of January during which he shot 47 percent from distance. ”I had some struggles, but I think that comes with the rookie year. I’m not really worried about it. I just know that I’m going to come back a better player next year.”"

With such a young team, it’s quite easy to overlook the impact of time of proficiency. Grant will indeed be a better player this year.

Next: Pierre Jackson

Jul 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard

(55) keeps the ball away from Los Angeles Lakers guard Xavier Munford (14) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Point Guard
Pierre Jackson
Homer alert! Yes, I’m warning you now.

It is a rare occasion when I find myself so in awe of a player’s history, of a pro athlete’s story, among the myriad of beating the odds stories to be told, but the challenges that have aligned against Pierre Jackson are noteworthy. When an athlete emerges from a serious career-threatening injury, who can blame them for becoming self absorbed, selfish, and even egotistical. But when Pierre Jackson faced such an injury with his Achilles heel, he did the complete opposite. He connected to his family, his friends, and his fans in a way that I’ve seldom witnessed in my over fifty years of cheering from the sidelines. So yes, perhaps I’m biased. But there’s good reason. This guy is the epitome of “never give up”. On a team that has managed a mere 37 victories in two NBA seasons, I think that is a quality that is a basic necessity.

This team is young.  Youthful and talented.  Youthful, talented, great potential.  Youthful, talented,unrealized potential, and …. leaderless.

Pappy Jack is that leader. Leaders lead by example, they have a vision, they communicate, and they are not shaken in the face of adversity. Pierre Jackson is not a big man in NBA standards in stature.  At 5’10” and 176 pounds, he could pass as a normal guy in virtually any setting.   But when he hits the basketball court, something clicks inside.  The man can shoot.  He set a D-league record when he sunk 58 points, including 7 of 13 from three point land.  He was an offensive dream, over seven games of 40 or more points and averaging over 30 points a game. Pierre Jackson has always had a clear picture of who he is and what he wants to be.   That vision oftentimes runs counter to what “experts” believe.  That vision got him through painful and tedious rehabbing to place him in a position to secure the Sixers starting point guard role.  Visi, Vidi, Vinci.  He came, he saw, he conquered. He is not an island unto himself.  He loves the fans, and as Philly always does when they catch the eye of a hard working athlete, Philly loves him back even more. He isn’t shaken when the chips are down. In fact, that is when he seems to reach within and find renewed strength.

But there is one element of a player that is so rare, I haven’t mentioned it until now. That is that ability to give back to the fans. You know, the “lambeau leap”. It’s that connection between an athlete and fans that make it family. So when a Sixer reads one of my articles and gives me a nod, I place a rare star by that athlete’s name. They are more than a player now. They are a good person.

The Sixers need good persons too.

Next: Nik Stauskas

April 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Nik Stauskas (10) dribbles the basketball during the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Shooting Guard
Nik Stauskas
The Sixers have coveted Nik Stauskas since he expressed interest in the NBA. This year, we’ll discover if that desire was warranted.  Another member of the Sixers Sopohomore club, Stauskas showed more flash in marketing hot sauce than in heating up the floor in Sacramento.  But their loss is our gain. Stauskas continues along the role of perimeter shooting.   As more and more of the Sixers offensive production is projected to roll off the fingers of the big men down low, the team is setting up to keep their opponents honest.   Stauskas will do plenty of damage from long distance.  He might have done more damage while on the Sacramento Kings, but he couldn’t crack their roster to warrant enough playing time.  So he sat, and watched.

"“It’s crazy, but … on the bench you start to see (Karl’s) reactions and what he thinks about certain shots,” Stauskas said. “So I kinda got a better feel for the shots he wanted and the shots and plays he didn’t want. And since I started getting out there, I know what he’s aiming for now. I think it helped me a little bit, for sure.”"

The Sixers hope that bench time did indeed help. They picked up Stauskas to become one of the keystones in their attempt to engineer a dynasty.  But, much like the farmers of mid-state Pennsylvania, the team can only select the crop of talent and plant them together.  And then wait.  Wait until it grows up and they find if they have filled the barns with talent, or just need to plow everything under and try again next year. Is there reason to hope?  You bet.  Stauskas is shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three-point range in March, huge improvements from his season average. His game improved when he took the floor with Kings guard Andre Miller

"“I love playing with ’Dre. I feel he’s always got his head up, he’s always making the right play out there. Having him out there, I’ve gotten a lot of good shots just from him creating shots for me. I really like the system that we’ve got going on with Coach Karl here. It kinda lets the guards play more freely. … That’s a lot (of) how I played in college. I feel comfortable doing that and also getting consistent minutes.”"

While the Sixers work out their game plans based on the talent of their team, look for Stauskas to find the same comfort level. In contrast to trying to make the most of few minutes, he will likely see plenty of floor this season. That amount of playing time will quickly place him in his comfort zone. As he gets comfortable, he will get deadly accurate.

Next: Joel Embiid

Jan 30, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid dribbles two balls during pre game warm ups before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Center
Joel Embiid
No single player exemplifies the Philadelphia 76ers struggles moreso than Joel Embiid.  Originally thought to be the best player of the 2014 NBA draft, he fell to a foot injury that saw his stock fall.  With a Philadelphia team sitting at number three, that was just fine.   The Sixers had drafted and rehabbed Nerlens Noel from the year prior, and were content to draft and rehab again. Until the rehab grew to two years. Now  the team’s plans  have been resynchronized to the new timetable.   Grow players with huge upside this season, add Joel Embiid from rehab and Dario Saric from the European league, select up to four first round draft choices, move into a new training facility, and convert players who won’t make that super team into draft selections. So it’s another year of wait and see and hope and wait and see and …  well, you get the picture.  We’ve been updating you with the Embiid era, the latest news is the second surgery has been announced.   So it’s clear that Embiid will remain on the roster until he is healthy.  Then it will remain to be seen if two years hiatus can be overcome.   Meanwhile, he will likely sit on the inactive list. And unless the Sixer sophomore’s step up, that is likely where the team’s playoff hopes will reside.

Next: Gerald Wallace

Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Wallace (45) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Celtics defeats the Suns 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Small Forward
Gerald Wallace
Okay.  If you don’t see the presence of Gerald Wallace on the Sixer’s roster as something to get all giddy about, you are not alone. 

But before you get out the carving knife and try to whittle him off the team, let’s do some fact checking.

Wallace is a rare veteran presence on a very young and energetic team.   That type of veteran presence is a key ingredient of long term planning, as he becomes a mentor to his youthful colleagues.   While many have seen Wallace as a bargaining chip that would be tossed when the roster build began, I was quick to sound the alarms on that type of thinking. He fits our plans, and he fits nicely. The economics of Wallace on this roster is simple.  He has a $10M salary on a team that needs a bridge of salary to remain above the league minimum.  His contract ends in 2016-17, when the team anticipates as many as six new talented and perhaps expensive faces to arrive.  So that’s one aspect. Wallace has had a long and storied NBA career.   He came into his own as a Charlotte Hornet, where he played from 2004 through 2011.  He has playoff experience, and he has a good shot from the free throw line.   Unlike Tony Wroten, his style of play generates fouls as well, but he makes the opponent pay the price. There are few NBA teams that can make use of virtually all aspects of Wallace’s game.  The Sixers are one such team.  He still has enough left in his tank, given enough minutes, to get the hot hand and carry the team to a victory.   Does he have many 20 point games left in him?  Probably not.  But even one such game would impact a Sixer team scrapping for victories.

Next: Carl Landry

April 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward

(24) shoots the basketball against New Orleans Pelicans forward

(23) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Power Forward
Carl Landry
The other guy.  That’s what 6’9″ 248 pound Carl Landry has fallen to in discussions among Sixer fans.  In the trade of the year, the Sixers obtained Nik Stauskas from the Sacramento Kings. In that trade, they obtain hometown favortie Jason Thompson, who was then exchanged with the Golden State Warriors for Gerald Wallace.  And the team got the other guy.. .you know… what’s his name. Well, what’s his name is Carl Landry, and he’s likely to see some significant time as a Philadelphia 76er.   Why? Ha!  We never let you down here at the Sixer Sense.   A fine article by Aram Cannuscio goes into detail about how Landry projects for this team.  He is deadly at the mid range shot, which is likely to be critical this season.  In addition, much as the value of Gerald Wallace, Landry will serve as an excellent bridge/mentor to the young team learning how to win.  An eight year veteran, he’s had post season experience with the Houston Rockets, the New Orleans Pellicans, and the Golden State Warriors. While he’s no threat from deep, he has a sweet mid range shot, and he sinks his free throws.  Much like his shots, he’s also one of the few “mid range” veterans who have some game left in him, which gives him a unique perspective of growing the players around him as he makes himself vital to the Sixers roster.  He’ll have more skin in the game to see his teammates succeed, as that will add value to his role as he matures in the league. Despite all this talk of fit and role and mentor and longevity, it seems nobody is certain whether Landry makes the roster or simply exits in the next player exchange. We’ve even detailed talk of a Landry to the Washington Wizards scenario.  While the trade makes sense, I’m not on-board.  We know that the team needs a mid ranger, and Landry is the best this team has at that distance.   Unless the deal is as sweet as the Stauskas, Thomson, Landry trade, I don’t think Landry moves this year. 2016?  Of course.

Next: Isaiah Canaan

March 24, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard

(0) dribbles the basketball against Sacramento Kings guard

(3) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Point Guard
Isaiah Canaan
The Sixers may not have a clear cut superstar point guard.  But what they don’t know in quality, they have certainly covered at quantity. Isaiah Canaan is a former Houston Rocket who is entering his second, um… sophomore again? season with the Sixers.   He was buried in the depth of the good Rockets team, but when he donned the Sixer jersey, his scoring coincided with his game minutes. Canaan is the third PG we’ve discussed, but his is likely the least secure role of the three.   He’s both young and improving.  He’s got ball security, and he’s got a deadly free throw shot. Still, he’s not the talk of the town.  Why?  Let me count the ways… The fans loved K.J. McDaniels, and it was the trade of KJ that brought Canaan to the team.  That set the stage for the scrutiny of the city to descend upon this young man.   Unfortunately, his youth and style did not serve him well under the scrutiny.  He was thrust into the role of starting point guard, but did not draw enough attention to himself to open his teammates up for good shots.    His shots fell in, but not at a pace to carry a team.  His ball security is good, but he lost turnovers more than he gained them. There are some who point to “the Cannon” and see a young man who is finally settled on a team, and who can use that stability to his advantage to turn the corner.  They may be correct.   Had the team acquired him without the expense of a fan favorite, or if he had been given time to grow his game before hitting center stage, the tone of his outlook would be rosier.  As it is, he fell from higher hopes and expectations than he should have been linked to, and now has to fight against the current of sentiment to secure his place on this team.

Next: JaKarr Sampson

Mar 30, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard

(9) reacts to his three pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Small Forward
JaKarr Sampson
We are winding down the roster, so the players become more contested. Do you see your favorite yet? 6’9″ JaKarr Sampson may not be the favorite of many, but that could change this year.  He’s another young and talented player with upside. Sampson will likely start the season playing behind Jerami Grant.  But that could change.  He actually shot with more accuracy in 2014/15, at 42.2% versus Grant’s 35.2%.  He’s got an inch and several pound on Grant as well, and those of you who follow the Chip Kelly saga with the Eagles know the “Big people beat up little people” mantra.  Some of that showed in the summer league, as he helped lead the team to a victory to close out the season. This comes as no surprise to Sampson. He’s young, but confident he can make a contribution to this team.

"“I feel like I took everybody by surprise by my offensive improvement and me becoming a legit wing,” Sampson said. “I even played some point guard… I feel like I’m making a good transition.”"

He will likely play behind both Grant and Wallace, but he’ll gain valuable experience from the bench as he learns by observation, and listens to the teachings of veteran Wallace.  It’s not an ideal situation for any player, but for a young man of 22 years age, sitting on an NBA roster while you learn is not a bad gig at all.  When his number is called, he’ll have plenty of opportunity to shine.  Much of this year will be polishing his luster.

Next: Scottie Wilbekin

Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard

(18) celebrates after a scoring play in an NBA Summer League game against the Knicks at Thomas and Mack Center. The Knicks won the game in overtime, 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Point Guard
Scott Wilbekin
The team rounds out it’s roster at a spot with the most need.  When the summer league hit this year, the Sixer management was shopping to fill a point guard spot.  They signed Pierre Jackson, and also signed Scottie Wilbekin.    Scott Wilbekin is more than insurance for the uncertainty of a key position on the 76ers roster.  He’s truly in the midst of the competition.

Wilbekin is another long distance shooter who can space the floor for this team. In the summer league, he had a six out of eight form the three point line for the sixers. That is the type of performance that gets you a roster spot. In the debate over the man with the plan, many lose sight of the fact that Sam Hinkie has a good eye for NBA talent, and that Wilbekin could likely be one more in a long line of unheralded talent that included K. J. McDaniels, Isaiah Canaan, JaKarr Sampson, and more.

Wilbekin is the type of prospect who might turn into another role player.  But, he could catch lightning in a bottle and be incredibly impressive.

That’s what adds to the Sixer team excitement.

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