The Sixer Sense
Fansided

The Undervalued Veterans Of Philadelphia 76ers

By Bret Stuter

Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown shouts at his players during the second quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown shouts at his players during the second quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center
Dec 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center /

Philadelphia 76ers Were Recognized By The NBA Last Year

The Philadelphia 76ers were better than their reputation last year. Despite the struggles to keep a healthy consistent roster on the floor all year, there were enough players who excelled brightly.

Both Jahlil Okafor and Jerami Grant were selected to participate in Team USA Select in 2016.  This is a prestigious honor for young basketball stars, to experience the preparation for the Olympics, and to connect with NBA veterans around the league, veterans who may someday become teammates, friends, and even mentors.   That type of connection for two young and very talented prospects will prove to be priceless for both Okafor and Grant going forward.

But there are more players on the team who are recognized for their superior play on the court. These are players who listened intently to their coach’s instructions, practiced hard, took advantage of playing time, and who performed in such a way that they stood out among their peers.

That’s the type of player who finds his way onto a basketball court, playing productive minutes, and constantly improving.  The “typical” NBA veteran plays at his peak performance in years four through nine.  Right now, the average returning 76ers player is just over his second year of play.  That means this year should be a far better season for many of the team’s returners.  Layering that on top of some players who truly stood out to the NBA means that these young men already have a compelling argument to get playing time.

Next: Steady As She Goes