The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Position Analysis Under Brett Brown: Part II Power Forward Position

By Bret Stuter

January 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown reacts to officials while watching game action against Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown reacts to officials while watching game action against Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (L) and forward Nerlens Noel (R) work out prior to a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (L) and forward Nerlens Noel (R) work out prior to a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2016: Joel Embiid / Richaun Holmes/ Dario Saric

With so much attention on the back court and the center position, and with the team notably looking to bolster their wing play, it would be sensible to conclude that the power forward position will continue to be a transition role for the team well into next season.   As the team experiments with who can play center best, the onus will fall upon whomever is left to learn to play the power forward position.

Adding to the position is the projected entrance of both Joel Embiid and Dario Saric.  While the players may add to the transition effect at the power forward position, they bring unique skillsets, youthful energy, and renewed optimism for the team going forward.  While Embiid is a player we’ve seen in a Sixers uniform for two years, and have yet to see on the basketball court in a game, the optimism of what type of player he will eventually become continues to elevate. In fact, as recently as January 2016, another Sixer Sense story projects Embiid as a star.   But at which position?

The funny answer is “anywhere he wants to play”.  But the realistic answer is probably “anywhere he wants to play”.   The team has anchored it’s future on the sails of Embiid.   As he plays, so likely will the Philadelphia 76ers play.  Based on the way the team has managed his illness, removed any artificial goals to his recovery, and gone to great expense and effort to ensure he remains on track, this young man has certainly convinced the upper echelons of the team that they have a future elite player in the making.

Meanwhile, across the pond, Dario Saric is working on his own part in building the potential to perform at the elite level in the NBA.  While fewer believe he will do so, and even fewer have seen him play, his progress in the European league cannot be easily brushed off.  We covered his versatility in January 2016, and can see his arrival at either the four or the three spot.  If the team sets up Embiid at the four, and Saric at the three as a result, the team will have a new look front court to match the new faces on the back court next season.

While Embiid has superior size, deadly aim, and strong physicality, Saric brings an approach of high basketball IQ, and taking what a defense will give him.  Embiid dominates, and Saric adapts.  Added to the young Richaun Holmes, the team will come to find this position as one of it’s strengths.

Next: High Evolutionary