The Sixer Sense
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Will J.J. Redick be a starter for the entire year?

By Roger Acker

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: J.J. Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers stretches before the game against the Washington Wizards on March 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: J.J. Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers stretches before the game against the Washington Wizards on March 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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J.J. Redick is the first substantial free agent signing the Philadelphia 76ers have had in years. However, it should not be a foregone conclusion he will start the entire season.

At this point in time, many expect the Philadelphia 76ers to roll out a starting lineup of Fultz, Redick, Covington, Simmons, and Embiid. With Simmons occupying the four, it forces Saric to come off the bench regardless of his impressive rookie campaign. Currently, this seems like the most optimal setup based on everyone’s current playing style.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

It is no secret the Sixers need floor spacing to help Ben Simmons, which is why Redick was brought in. Fultz shot over 41 percent from three during his freshman year at Washington, and his solid shooting stroke bodes well for the future. Unfortunately, his free throw numbers show a different story. He may not be that strong of a shooter yet at this stage in his career, and it will take time to adapt to the NBA three.

That is where Redick comes in. Placing a sharpshooter next to Fultz and Simmons gives them a “safety net.” Strictly a shooter, Redick will attract the defense away from Fultz,Embiid, and Simmons while always being ready without the ball in his hands. Covington can be like that to an extent, but is not as reliable and experience.

For this reason, Saric will not start in the beginning of the season. At this point in time, his shooting is not viewed as a weapon, but improvement to this may result in Brett Brown being forced to adjust the lineup. If Covington continues to improve his shot and can mirror the impact given by Redick on offense plus keep up his strong showing on defense, it decreases J.J. Redick’s value enough to lose his starting spot.

Saric establishing himself as an average and consistent shooter as well as Covington shooting well would force Brown’s hand in changing the lineup. A spaced out court with the passing of Fultz, Simmons, and Saric would be too much to turn down. With teams trying to replicate the Warriors and enforce versatility, the Sixers could offer one of the most threatening lineups in the league.

Some may argue the size of Embiid and Simmons would restrict Saric because having so many big men would not work. However, just a few months ago Simmons was expected to be a starting point guard. A player who can pass and run a team like a guard, while having the height to operate as a small-ball center, offers such wide versatility that having three players over 6-foot-10 would be an advantage. A team would struggle guarding the strength of three big men as talented as Embiid, Simmons, and Saric, while the Sixers could place Simmons guarding the small forward spot and be fine.

Next: Sixers mailbag: Trade possibilities, the second unit and more

To start off the season safe, Brett Brown will have Redick starting next to Covington and Fultz to establish strong floor spacing. As Covington continues to improve his shooting and defense, and Saric develops a capable 3-point shot to pair with his passing, it will decrease the impact of Redick. While having a well spaced court is important, expect Brett Brown to value the potential versatility of Fultz, Covington, Simmons, Saric, and Embiid more, pushing J.J. Redick to the bench.