Philadelphia 76ers Building the 2016 Bench

Who Makes the 2016 Roster?

But the bench role of T.J. McConnell feels safe.  He was an undrafted point guard who has taken every opportunity to grow and learn during his short time with the Philadelphia 76ers.  Even if the team has other plans for an eventual starter, his improving play could net the team a bounty of assets in as short a time as two more seasons.  He is worth hanging onto.

In the same light, power forward Richaun Holmes is quietly earning playing time.  Drafted in the second round, he was not given much hope of getting playing time among the glut of big talent already on the team.  But his play has earned him the right to step onto the basketball court.

"“He just plays with a tremendous bounce. You always can count on his effort. You can always count on the fact that he’s going to have a real bounce and a physical side to how he plays. I think like any first year player, there are times that you step back and sort of wonder what he might have been thinking on a defensive assignment, or even positions offensively what we’re running. It’s normal, it’s natural for a first year rookie. Physically, though, he does stand out. He’s somebody that you can count on to play with that spirit and that bounce.” – head coach Brett Brown discussing Richaun Holmes"

Another player who has earned the right to be discussed on the 2016 roster is Jerami Grant. While his 21.4% shooting from three point range is dismal, it’s improving. He has shot better that 50% in his last seven games from long range, and he continues to work hard. Meanwhile his defense is staunch.

"“He just loves the game, he’s well-raised, went through a hell of a high school, [has an NBA] family tree… And then you look at his body, and then you look at his work ethic… and it all adds up into a very interesting prospect. He’s one of these guys, for me, that makes me want to hug Sam [Hinkie], because he nailed it.” – Brett Brown discussing Jerami Grant"

While we know the challenge of the center position, we are sitting on a wonderful problem. As center, Jahlil Okafor brings offense in a way few have before him. His game is developing an arsenal rapidly, and with each game he discovers a new spin, fake, pop, or fade that opens up the hoop for a score. At a tender age of 20, and in his first NBA season, this young man has incredible upside. But while he brings offense, his counterpart brings defense. Center Nerlens Noel is a rim protector, a player whose athleticism is surprising. His blocks at 1.5/game combine with a steals stat of 1.7/game.

And so, one will take a starting role,while the other plays reserve in 2016.

The final “should make the squad” in 2016 is Robert Covington.  When he shines, he shines brightly for the team.  He is versatile.  He can play all the way up to the power forward position in a small ball lineup, all the way down to shooting guard.   He is third on the team in rebounds, third in scoring, second in steals, and sixth in three point percentage.  But he also leads the team this season in inconsistancy and in foul trouble.  His average of 3.4 personal fouls a game are a combination of his aggressive defensive style, but also an indication of his mental lapses. There was a thirteen game stretch in mid season where Covington all but disappeared from the box score stats. But there are nights where he carries the team as well. He is one of the true “two way” projects lauded by head coach Brett Brown.

Next: Sitting on the Bubble