Good Times Ahead
This is a young cast who were reading the scripts for the first time each night they appeared on the basketball court. So it’s not surprising just how poorly this team had played coming out of the gate of the 2015-2016 season, but a true surprise indeed of just how quickly they had and still continue to improve.
#sixers D over last 3 w/Okafor at PF's been bad, but Noel's performance reason for optimism https://t.co/UocMHiqiXR pic.twitter.com/utHLg27Vk2
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) February 7, 2016
The pieces are falling into place nicely. Even undrafted rookie T.J. McConnell had a breakout game in scoring 17 points to accompany his six assist evening. He’s always been excellent in slotting the ball to other players. But last night he seemed to remember the most important element of scoring to a top point guard – he is capable of scoring as well.
"“I was just trying to do my best impression of him (Ish Smith) tonight,” McConnell said."
Final: #sixers beat the #nets 103-98. Okafor with a monster 22 point, 17 rebound effort. McConnell with 17 points and 6 ast. Noel 18/4/4/3/2
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) February 7, 2016
And so, a little light begins to shine through at the end of the tunnel. The Sixers are emerging from the worst into the brighter future. How far will their momentum carry them is difficult to assess right now. The team is getting an expected boost by a suddenly able to play together Noel and Okafor pair. With a combined 40 points and 21 rebounds, the evening was certainly a statement that these two can make a great front court.
Next: Has Philadelphia 76ers Exec Colangelo Dictated Jahlil Okafor to Four?
The next missing pieces of this team are revealing themselves as previous unmet needs are filled. This is more than just unfilled squares, but more aptly described as steps. With more solid play at the point guard position by both Ish Smith and T.J. McConnell, the team is now developing in the other positions. In fact, point guard play is promising enough that I will be fine if the team looks elsewhere at the NBA draft. With so many picks, it’s not likely. But between Ish Smith and T.J. McConnell, I am beginning to truly enjoy what I see from them. Okafor and Noel seem to be figuring it out. More correctly stated, McConnell seems to have figured it out for them.