Five Things To Look For At Beginning Of Sixers Season
By Josh Wilson
Oct 18, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) passes the ball to Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) with Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) and Brooklyn Nets small forward Thaddeus Young (30) defending during the 2nd qtr at Barclays Center. The Nets won 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Has The Offense Improved?
Anyone who takes more than three seconds to look at the Sixers’ stats from last year knows one big thing–the offense was bad. It was–in all honesty–something that was difficult to watch, and was a huge reason that viewership was way down last season (and a huge reason attendance was 30th out of 30). If the Sixers don’t score, people don’t want to watch. And who could blame them? That’s what basketball is all about.
The Sixers were 30th out of 30 in offensive rating, which measures points scored per 100 possessions. On top of that they were 29th in scoring, and at the same time, their pace was sixth in the league, meaning they were holding the ball a lot, but not doing much at all with their possessions.
Defense only goes so far. No matter how good your defense can be, usually teams will still score close to 100 points on you often. In cases like this, the only remedy is to fight back and score on your own as well.
The offense is getting revamped, and supposed to operate through Jahlil with him touching the ball on almost every possession. This may be enough, but on top of this, everyone needs to be held accountable and make their shots. Guys like Stauskas, Canaan, and Hollis Thompson must be present behind the arc. Noel should show off that apparent mid-range game he’s developed, and Jah has to finish in the paint.
All in all, an improved offense is necessary, and needs to be present in the first few weeks of the season.
Next: Are The Sixers Winning, And Could They Surprise The League?