The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Why Philadelphia 76ers Are Improving

By Bret Stuter

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) and forward Robert Covington (33) shoot at the basket from the second floor balcony during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) and forward Robert Covington (33) shoot at the basket from the second floor balcony during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) and forward Robert Covington (33) shoot at the basket from the second floor balcony during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) and forward Robert Covington (33) shoot at the basket from the second floor balcony during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Scratch And Sniff Test

I don’t think anyone expected the Philadelphia 76ers to begin this season without Simmons, Jerryd Bayless, and Nerlens Noel, but that’s what happened.  It was Simmons’ absence which thrust Saric into a starting role.   Ultimately, it precipitated the trade of Jerami Grant for Ersan Ilyasova to bolster coverage at power forward.

More from The Sixer Sense

The absence of Bayless has forced the team to depend heavily upon newcomer Sergio Rodriguez, while intermingling T.J. McConnell at point guard.  Meanwhile the absence of Nerlens Noel has hampered the team’s defense, forced Brown to micro manage allotted minutes at center, and forced the drafting of Richaun Holmes to pickup minutes in a center role.

But too few writers or pundits even acknowledge the injuries to the team.

On the other hand, this in not an article about excuses.  The Philadelphia 76ers entered the season with 80% of the players healthy, and only 60% of the starting lineup healthy.  Actually, about 50% strength when you factor in the minutes restrictions of Joel Embiid.   50% strength and already four victories. Feeling better yet?