Huge Challenge
The Philadelphia 76ers have a huge challenge ahead this season. Shooting accuracy is one of the most difficult areas to fix, as it is dependent on the lineup, the scheme, the execution, the shot selection, and the skill of the shooter. In the 2015-2016 season, the 76ers had a true point guard arrive at Christmas, and the top scoring threat end his season two months later. As a result, the Philadelphia 76ers were 29th in the league in shooting accuracy from the floor at just 43.1 percent, and 24th in the NBA from three point range at 33.9 percent. In comparison, the Golden State Warriors accuracy came in at 48.7 percent from the floor, and 41.6 percent from beyond the arc.
That is a huge difference, which contributed mightily to the difference between the first place team and the last place team. But snapping fingers and just saying “FIX THAT!” is useless. The team had a number of reasons contributing to poor accuracy, and each component must be addressed effectively and separately.
While addressing past issues, it won’t be a matter of just scheming differently this year without considering the new roster, with new talents and new situations. Will the team benefit from having a virtually healthy roster from day one this season? You bet. And with that, the team will have a bonus of having as many as three players on the basketball court simultaneously with great handles and ball distribution (Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, and Sergio Rodriguez)
So while the team must fix the issue, it is an issue that has already changed in its parameters.
Next: Shot Selection