The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Can These Philadelphia 76ers Win Games?

By Bret Stuter

Jan 27, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with his team during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons defeated the 76ers 110-97. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with his team during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons defeated the 76ers 110-97. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Ten Win Base

Just by showing up this year, with the veterans returning, the Philadelphia 76ers are good for ten wins. The team has not dumped any returning players yet, and for the most part, each player coming back learned a great deal last season.

It was not a free ride.  Head coach Brett Brown made ample use of his available talent, plugging and playing them as he saw fit to attempt to build some success on the basketball court, and some chemistry in the locker room.

That “made to order” lineup benefited the team in two ways:  it gave each player a personal challenge of learning new roles or learning the varying styles of teammates in a different position, and it focused the team’s energies on that game, and not a repetitious pattern of same guys, same roles, same defeat.

It also justified the mentoring, coaching, development of the young roster.  Even players who thought themselves in a bench role (ala Elton Brand and Carl Landry) were eventually called into service and showed that preparation is very important to a team.

Those same dynamics will be at work this season, and with it comes the knowledge that the players could answer the call.

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