Hail Mary Basketball
It’s common in football. It is something that may soon be more common in basketball, and it may be a result of the Philadelphia 76ers “royal flush” lineup.
The potential of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball is the incredible upside of the projected lineup for transition basketball. In a transition offense, plays are begun by a steal or an opponent turnover, which are quickly moved via pass to the opposite end of the basketball court where the offense outmans the opponent on either an open man, a two on one, or three on two shooting opportunity. That type of offense is officially tracked as a fast break, but it can occur whenever a defense is caught off guard.
With a team of tall players, fast breaks needn’t rely upon a steal or turnover. A rebound can act as the catalyst when the 76ers have Saric and Simmons on the basketball court. Either player can pull down rebounds, pass the ball coast to coast to an open man, and set up the 76ers offense for an easy layup.
If the perception about center Jahlil Okafor is absolutely true, that he is a trainwreck whenever trying to defend under the basket, then he could be set to defend the perimeter exclusively, and as soon as the Sixers come down with a defensive rebound, could break for the basket for an easy layup.
Just a thought , but with this lineup it could certainly be one of several options. I mean, if the team is ready to trade their top offensive scorer due to the lack of blocked shots, then it must be a valid concern. But discussion seems to be working so far. Let’s chat some more, okay?
Next: Rim Protection or Excuses?