The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers’ Core: Ultimate Roster Analysis and Predictions

By Bret Stuter

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with guard Hollis Thompson (31) in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 98-92 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with guard Hollis Thompson (31) in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 98-92 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Hollis Thompson

Status: Active player, Starter or Reserve.
Contracted Through:  2017
Current 2016-2017 Salary:  $1,015,696
Trade Value: High second round or low first round pick

Strengths:  Mr. Consistency. He’s played all three seasons of head coach Brett Brown’s tenure, each year appearing in virtually all games, but starting in a small percentage.  His accuracy, offense, and defense have been productive, if not stellar.  He’s the swing man, the guy who comes off the bench and delivers a known level of production.
Offense:  The best perimeter shooter on the team.  His shooting arsenal is fairly impressive.  Particular positive was his 2016 finish, where he averaged over 12 points per game in the last two months of the season. His performance was so impressive, he regained a starting role for the last 15 games of the season.
Defense:  Defense is a work in process for Thompson, who continues to need focus on that aspect of his game.  This past year, Thompson held opponents to 2.5 percent below their regular shooting percentage from three-point territory.  Inside 10 feet, though, is where players had more success against Thompson. He simply is not able to anticipate their inside moves, and he is left behind and they slice in for the score.

Weaknesses:  He is consistent on offense, but rather inconsistent on defense.  But his plateau of scoring on an average of 28.0 minutes of playing time came in at just 9.8 points per game.  In contrast, Carl Landry scored as much on nearly half as much average playing time.
Offense:  Thompson is a system scorer.  He struggles to create his own shots, and is better suited to a set, catch, shoot offensive scheme.  Unfortunately, the new pattern of Sixers offense will require a great deal more off-ball movement, timing, and precision. Ben Simmons will get the ball to the open man.   For the most part, the new style is far more conducive to TImothe Luwawu-Cabarrot.
Defense: Thompson will be returning for his fourth season, and this is truly a year where he must display an ability to greatly improve on defense.  With the team bringing on so many new players to look at in a role at shooting guard, and in a scenario of “Tall Ball” where Robert Covington or Jerami Grant slide into the two spot, Thompson’s vulnerability to defend opponents must be resolved quickly in training camp.

Probability of 2016-2017 Roster:  His chances of sticking on the roster are only slightly ahead of Stauskas.  Approximately 68 percent.

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