Philadelphia 76ers versatility will take NBA by surprise

BROOKLYN, NY – MARCH 28: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 28, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia 76ers have built one of the most versatile rosters in the NBA. But what good is it? Just watch!

The NBA has taken a shift away from the big hulking behemoths who played near the basket and created an almost impenetrable wall of defense. Now, the league is the fast flying little guys who can pop a shot from nearly any range. With surprising accuracy too, I might add. The Philadelphia 76ers have some of those on the team.

But the NBA is about to change once more. In a word, the next era of the NBA is versatility.

While that is a great “buzz word” in the NBA right now, the concept throws NBA purists into a temper tantrum, NBA pundits into hot debates, and NBA fans into social media feuds worthy of EverReady battery bunny designations: They go on and on and on.

Outflank > Outrank

But as difficult as it is to designate versatility into the everyday conversations about the game, they become that much more challenging to implement successfully. But that ability creates an incredible advantage to the more versatile team in match-ups.

PLAY FANDUEL: New users win first contest or get credited up to $120!

The Philadelphia 76ers do not have to be better on a player by player basis. While this team certainly matches up quite favorably in certain positions, it won’t come down to that for wins this year. This season, the Philadelphia 76ers will outflank, outmaneuver, outthink, and outhustle their opponents for the win.

Greek Freak model, but on larger scale

Milwaukee Bucks “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo is a very gifted player. On one hand, he is not a top five leader in NBA statistics. In fact, he is 21st in points scored at 22.9, dishes out 5.4 assists, and pulls in 8.8 rebounds. On the other hand, he may not beat every man he faces in the NBA, but he wins battles on a team basis nonetheless.

But he delivers in far more statistical areas than his counterparts. And it’s that ability to zerg positive stats which gives the Bucks an advantage. Now, picture the Philadelphia 76ers placing three or four players on the basketball court with a similar strategy. Markelle Fultz can score, rebound, assist and steal. Dario Saric can score, rebound, and assist. Joel Embiid can score, rebound, assist, block, and steal. Ben Simmons can score, rebound, assist, block and steal. Well, you get the picture.

Don’t look for wins from the outset

If you have ever driven a new car (or just new to you), you are already familiar with the confusion of where are the headlights, windshield wipers, and other common controls. The Philadelphia 76ers will be in a similar situation.

With so many players capable of doing so much, there will be a “feeling out” period as the team familiarizes themselves with each others’ capabilities. The team will need to learn not to compete for the same rebound. Likewise, as this team develops and improves, I can see a change-up where the team tasks different players with bringing the ball up the court just to throw off the defense.

Ben begins the revolution

It all starts with Ben Simmons. His versatility sets the court for the team to follow suit. Right now, this is a very interchangeable and talented group. The team features a solid cast of ball handlers, defenders, and shooters.

On one hand, the team needs to improve both offensively and defensively. On the other hand, this roster is more complex than just winning man on man contests. In fact, the team will best excel with ball movement, finding the open man, and simply outflanking their opponents. Place the ball where they aren’t. It may not make national headlines, but who are we kidding. The NBA is not quite ready for Sixers success. Yet.

Next: The Philadelphia 76ers plan beginning to take shape

Versatility is more than just covering positions with fewer players. It gives the Philadelphia 76ers a distinct advantage. And this is the year the team takes advantage.