Can Philadelphia 76ers Harness Isaiah Canaan?

Dec 16, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Isaiah Canaan (0) defends Atlanta Hawks guard

Lamar Patterson

(13) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 127-106. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Positive trends

 In two games in October, Canaan was shooting 30% from the floor (FG), 31% on threes (3P%), 3.5 turnovers per game (TO), and 2 assists per game (APG).  In November he shot 35.3% FG, 35.8% 3p%, 1.4 TO and 1.8 APG.  In December he is shooting 33.8% FG, 40.7% 3P%, 1.2 TO and 2.8 APG.. Currently Canaan is 51 for NBA three point shooters. But his current proficiency places him at 25 in the league. Trending like that is not sustainable forever, and at some time Isaiah will plateau. But if he continues to trend upwards, even for a short time, he will provide the Sixers a long term threat that will do wonders for the other teammates. Parking at the perimeter pulls defenders out. Passing to the post or to a pick and roll gives the Sixers some offensive options.  Finding that role for Canaan has not been easy.

"“He will still have some point guard in him from time to time but right now I don’t see it immediately like that. We’ll probably go with Phillip and T.J. carrying that 48-minute load. Maybe Isaiah will come in if we really need to score. When we all sort step back and say ‘What does he do,’ he shoots. And so that counts for something when you have a post player like Jahlil (Okafor). So now how do I find that quality? We especially miss it without (Robert) Covington. I see (Canaan) coming in and playing and I see it more now as a two. What has to happen for that to more easily happen is you have to feel comfortable that the matchups aren’t killing you. If they are rolling out 6-7 and 6-9 two and three men, well then maybe that isn’t such a good idea.” – Brett Brown discussing Isaiah Canaan’s role"

And so, the player tries to find an identity on the court, while the head coach tries to find a role that best suits him. That’s a lot of moving parts right now, particularly in the NBA where a majority of teams have already finalized both the player and the role. It’s like the Sixers are taking the court while trying to dress. They are hindered by the coach and player not truly understanding how best to make use of what they do for the optimal benefit for the team. Still, there are signs.

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