The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers have elite 2017 small ball roster

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 in Camden, New Jersey. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 in Camden, New Jersey. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images) /
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 As so many focused on the Philadelphia 76ers front court, the team has surprisingly built a nearly elite small ball roster for the 2017-2018 season

The Philadelphia 76ers have flirted with a tall ball roster since drafting point forward Ben Simmons. Yes, I have been one of “those guys” who had plenty to say about the topic, and I may do so again as  the team settles in on lineups and game strategies.  But for now, I want to touch on the opposite end of the Sixers’ size spectrum: small ball.

While the Philadelphia 76ers are, in theory, capable of tall ball, we know from history that this team has run small ball at times, with great success.

Coach Brown duct taped a small ball lineup

Now, those teams played more from the passion and inspiration of head coach Brett Brown. Check out this November 2015 lineup:

Did that lineup scare anyone?  Not really, but the team had intriguing success when they went small.  While the rest of the NBA did so to place better shooters on the floor, this 76ers version featured better grit and defense.