Philadelphia 76ers: The Croat And The Goat

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Here in this moment, the Philadelphia 76ers are 1-4 in the preseason, and with their current trajectory, could likely end up 1-6. That’s not a detraction from either the Croat or the Goat, but is due to the state of the team’s health, and challenge at the point guard position.

However, projected starting point guard Jerryd Bayless is out with a wrist injury.  Meanwhile Ben Simmons is rehabbing for the next several months.  As a result, one such player who could emerge is point guard Sergio Rodriguez.

"“He’s really helpful,” said Embiid, readying for an October 11th preseason game in Memphis. “When we play, he always talks to me and tells me where I need to be and how to get position. It’s big. He’s been in the game for a long time, so he kind of knows. He has played with good big men and he just knows the game.”"

But this is a game of five players on the basketball court, not two on five. Therefore, it is the skill of the Goat and the Croat which will force opponents to account for them. Eventually, that lean towards the post and perimeter will give plenty of clean looks for Robert Covington, Gerald Henderson, Sergio Rodriguez, and others who line up for the 76ers.

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However you might see it, the contribution of The Goat and The Croat will not charge the Philadelphia 76ers on a winning streak right out of the gate. It will be a gradual ascent, eventually churning out wins as the season progresses. But that’s okay. They will be building the team around them. When Ben Simmons returns, it will be to a team already on their way.