Philadelphia 76ers Bench Needs Healthy Players Back

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Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Domino Effect

The key to this team is getting a healthy Ben Simmons onto the basketball court. From the moment Ben Simmons does return, the front court of the team is established for the next several years. With a center combination of Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor, power forwards of Ersan Ilyasova (or Richaun Holmes) and Dario Saric, and small forward of Ben Simmons and Robert Covington, the team can finally begin to play with some consistency.

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Ben Simmons is earmarked to lead the team when he arrives. He will be the voice and eyes of the coaching staff on the basketball court. With his presence on the court, the team can give Covington more appropriate minutes.

The key to the team right now is a very versatile roster. Injuries negate that advantage. If a versatile player is forced by injury to play solely in one role, where is the advantage?

But from the moment players return to health, that versatility returns. Simmons back on the court gives Brown Covington to slide in at the four, three, or even two spot. Bayless back gives the team another option at the one or two position. Even Nerlens Noel gives the team an option to rest a player at the five or four role.

The Philadelphia 76ers are built for versatility. As soon as players return to health, their presence will give Brown options at multiple positions, much like falling dominoes.