The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers have elite 2017 small ball roster

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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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 8: Markelle Fultz #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 8: Markelle Fultz #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

New and improved

The small ball version of yesteryear relied heavily on the “in your face” of T.J.McConnell and Nik Stauskas. While there was some three-point shooting, the offense relied in driving to the basket with sheer footspeed.

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In the 2017 version, the team boasts a floor with Markelle Fultz, J.J. Redick, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot , Robert Covington and Ben Simmons.  Tempo will be set by fast paced passing, and the three-point shooting of Fultz, Redick and Covington.

In short, we needn’t see the results to know it can perform well. We know how well this dynamic played in the past with a lineup which was more “raw”.

2017 lineup versatility feeds the small ball concept

Coach Brown’s Pace-Space-Pass mantra is even more realized with this year’s talent.  With a solid core of NBA veterans, plus the tremendous upside of two top-drafted NBA players debuting simultaneously, the 76ers small ball version can be incredibly successful.

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The wildcard is the newest member of the team, guard Markelle Fultz. Having seen his play for Washington, I can attest to the potential of this young man being far undervalued by so many still. Paired up with the likes of Ben Simmons, he will be capable of scoring at will. Meanwhile, his high basketball IQ lends itself to recognizing what the defense focuses upon. He has a selfless style which does not hesitate to pass the ball out of double coverage.

Next: Ben Simmons’ defense could be better than advertised

Yes, I would love to see this team toss a tall ball lineup at the NBA. But I won’t deny that the small ball version of the Philadelphia 76ers this year is equally intriguing. In the end, however the Philadelphia 76ers need to align to taste post season play is just fine by me.