The Philadelphia 76ers will showcase a freshman class with an alarming rate of talent and potential. Ben Simmons, Dario Saric and Joel Embiid.
Wow.
Perhaps not since the1964-1965 New York Knicks featuring Willis Reed, Jim Barnes and Howard Komives have we seen such a cast of rookies on the same team. And it’s all taking place on the Philadelphia 76ers.
Yet again, in 1986-1987, The Cleveland Cavaliers competed with Ron Harper, Brad Daugherty, and Hot Rod Williams.
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Both the ’65 Knicks and the ’87 Cavs had three players make First-Team All Rookie in the NBA, a tradition and team that started in 1962-1963.
Ben Simmons and Dario Saric are going to be playing together and they are two players that Brett Brown calls “do-alls.” You can probably add Joel Embiid to the do-all list, which is scary. This might be the best three rookies to be on the same team in a long time.
"“I think the pluses are you have 6-10 do-alls that really can jump into a very versatile defensive world with perhaps a lot of switching,” Brown said. “I think they are elite defensive rebounders that can rebound, lead a break, and take off.”"
So what else constitutes a do-all player?
Shaq says of Ben Simmons, it’s about doing the “small things.”
"“He’s a LeBron-type player,” O’Neal said Simmons, a 20-year-old forward. “What I mean by that, LeBron does a nice job of making everybody else around him better — passing the ball, doing the small things — and Ben is that type of player.”"
Dario Saric can pass and post up. All good passers also have the potential to be good defenders because it takes vision. Oh and yes, he can crash the glass. His upside is off the charts because that is what happens when size and skill meet IQ. In terms of spot up shooting, including the dead corner, he’s money.
If you look at Joel Embiid, it is obvious from the start what the “do-all” is all about. (i.e. Tim Duncan & Hakeem Olajuwon).
He stands at a legitimate 7-0, with footwork, skill, intangibles, and has a frame that can absorb weight and bear bulk muscle. If he can stay healthy, stay durable and pile up eventual minutes, the sky is the limit.
“Do-all” players can also:
- Dribble
- Pass
- Shoot
- Rebound
- Play defense
I think what Brett Brown likes about his team is the fact that his players will create matchup problems. Furthermore, and what makes Brett Brown a good coach is evident when you watch the Sixers. And when I watch I see:
- Fundamental basketball that’s selfless and team oriented
- Spacing and floor balance
- Intensity and preparation
- The ball entering the paint area
- Strong finishes and free throws
- Utilizing strengths and staying away from weaknesses
- Flexibility of personnel
- Excellent in transition
Look for continued improvements this year. The coach is a year better, as is the franchise, and the roster; the sky is the limit — Go Sixers.