The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Bold Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers Will Start Season With Four Point Guards

By Lucas Johnson

Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Anthony Barber (12) reacts after missing a shot in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Duke Blue Devils defeated North Carolina State Wolfpack 92-89. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Anthony Barber (12) reacts after missing a shot in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Duke Blue Devils defeated North Carolina State Wolfpack 92-89. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

With Ben Simmons not ready to take the reigns yet, it wouldn’t outrageous for the Philadelphia 76ers to start out with four point guards on the roster.

Ben Simmons is the point guard of the future for the Philadelphia 76ers, there is no doubting that. Sadly, however, Simmons is not ready for all that comes along with being a starting point guard in the NBA just yet. Head coach Brett Brown and president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo  know this, and it would not be outrageous for the duo to kept four point guards on the roster as a precaution. Each of the four point guards that could be kept bring a particular attribute to the team.

Jerryd Bayless is a combo guard that could very well be the starter at the beginning the season. I wrote an article explaining why Bayless starting for the Sixers is important. The primary reason being is with his ability to play off the ball, as well as his ability to shoot efficiently from the 3-point zone will help develop Simmons into a point guard.

Most teams would die for a combo guard with this skill set and their is no way the Sixers will give up on a player like Jerryd Bayless.

Sergio Rodriguez, the ultimate NBA journeyman, brings more than just his back up point stats to the Philadelphia 76ers. He and returning big man Elton Brand bring the most basketball experience. Sergio Rodriguez is a highly decorated European star and Olympian. Rodriguez can teach Simmons how to be a professional point guard.

must read: Sergio Rodriguez is the Biggest Sixers Unknown

T.J. McConnell has plenty of value for the Sixers. The pass first point guard puts a 110 percent in each play and has earned a place in the hearts of fans. T.J. McConnell still has an uphill battle to make the roster with so much talent coming into camp.

McConnell does have chemistry with Simmons that the other point guards cannot offer. The duo played with each other during the summer league. This chemistry can help the franchise later on when the team is closer to contender.

Anthony “Cat” Barber cannot to be taken lightly when it comes to getting a roster spot. Barber is toted with plenty of praise, but is he deserving of it?

SeasonMPFGFGAFG%3P%FT%TRBASTSTLBLKTOVPTS
2013-1424.23.07.5.401.261.6962.03.50.60.01.78.5
2014-1531.74.19.4.439.380.7333.33.70.80.02.112.1
2015-1638.77.517.3.434.361.8654.64.50.60.12.623.5
Career31.34.811.2.428.347.7933.33.90.70.02.114.5

Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CBB: View Original Table
Generated 9/12/2016.

It is surprising that Cat went un-drafted with these stats in his three seasons as a collegiate player. His ability to score and create for himself will be the reason for him make the final roster spot. The other point guards on the roster cannot create offense for themselves like Barber can. Cat would be a nice change of pace player to have come off the bench for the Sixers.

Next: 76ers Will Start Season With Experimentation

Each of these point guards bring a unique attribute to the Philadelphia 76ers. Based on these attributes each of these players need to be on the opening season roster. In order for these players to be on the roster the Sixers will need to make some hard decisions when it comes to cutting players and trading one of their big men.