Catalyst
When Simmons gets back, so does the Brett Brown playbook. In the first half of the season, Brown has navigated through who can play and for how long. In the second half of the season, look for the focus to be turned towards how well can they play.
These Philadelphia 76ers have some surprises up their sleeves for the NBA. Recall going to the wire with the Golden State Warriors last season? It was then that Brown placed his own version of small ball onto the court.
Reach For The Stars
Brown can use a small ball lineup when need be, and he has had some success with it. But if truth be told, Brown has options to run a much larger problem for his NBA opponents: Tall Ball.
From the moment 6-foot-10 Ben Simmons lines up with 7-foot-2 Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers will have a unique look. That “only team in the NBA” dynamics will give the 76ers an edge.
And right now, that edge is what this team needs.
Pieces are beginning to fall into place. The team has competitive players at each NBA position, and the team is beginning to play well together. With the arrival of Simmons, Brett Brown will have the cornerstones for the future in place.
So When Is That 20th Victory?
It required 35 games for the 76ers to win 10. Look for the next 10 wins to require 30. That places the 20th victory of this team in the middle of March 2017. Of course, that presumes no major injuries to starters or key players off the bench going forward. Will this team compete in the 2017 NBA Playoffs?
Embiid is eyeing the playoffs: "I think we’re 7 or 8 games from the 8th place so I think that’s a goal. I think we have a chance."
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) January 8, 2017
Doubtful. But a strong finish to 25-30 wins this season would be nearly as effective. You see, the Philadelphia 76ers can finish strong and still do very well in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers To Offer PG Randle 10-Day Contract
It has been several years since the Philadelphia 76ers had 20 wins in their sights. But don’t get too used to it. The team will have 40 plus wins in sight next season.