The Future of Philadelphia Pace
Early in the 2015-2016 season, the Philadelphia 76ers slowed down the pace quite a bit. Per Brian Seltzer covering a loss to the Utah Jazz in an October 31, 2015 article, he pointed out that the Philadelphia 76ers were playing at 97.8 possessions per game, nearly 2.5 possessions less than the season average.
Even with the roster limited by injury and inexperience, Brown clearly accomplished speeding up the game for the 76ers. This year, he may be the one asking to slow things up. Ben Simmons can move the ball coast to coast from a rebound to a drive to the hoop, and do it quickly. But why should he? The team will have excellent distribution on the court in Sergio Rodriguez and Dario Saric. Even T.J. McConnell has upped his game,
Players like to stay involved in an offense. When the play has two options: Jahlil Okafor primary and an outlet shooter at the perimeter, players not involved tend to slow down and disengage on the play. With Simmons on the court, anyone in a Sixers jersey is an option, regardless of the defense. Simmons has the ability to thread defenses with passes.
When Simmons is sitting it out? Don’t look for much degredation. Rodriguez, Saric, and even McConnell are solid in bring the ball up the court and getting it to the right shooter at the right instant.
Pace is something Brown holds very dear. The Philadelphia 76ers will improve a great deal from last year’s average, where they ended up sixth. This year the team will very likely rest atop the NBA, as they had in the 2013-2014 season, Brown’s first year.
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