The Sixer Sense
Fansided

“Blue x White” scrimmage recap

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 27: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during practice on September 27, 2017 at the Sixers Training Complex 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)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 27: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during practice on September 27, 2017 at the Sixers Training Complex 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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CAMDEN, NJ – SEPTEMBER 27: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during practice on September 27, 2017 at the Sixers Training Complex 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)
CAMDEN, NJ – SEPTEMBER 27: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during practice on September 27, 2017 at the Sixers Training Complex 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)

The young studs

Saric didn’t look all that different from last year, but he doesn’t have to. His jumper had a bit more arc and his post game looked slightly more polished. It was more of what we saw of him in EuroBasket, and it was good stuff.

Covington had a weak day. He didn’t shoot particularly well and also got crossed up pretty bad by Korkmaz on one play. RoCo even missed a dunk. Let’s hope it was just an off day for our starting wing.

Fultz, on one hand, looked incredible. He drove into the lane, bounced off rim protectors, and finished over them with impunity. He looked like a James Harden-lite out there.

Related Story: An update on our EuroBasket players

However, there was one thing that was worrying. Jerryd Bayless played about ten feet off of him and dared him to shoot. If this came in a regular game, you could convince me that maybe it was just a psychological ploy or that the veteran was going to make the rookie prove himself before Bayless would give him the respect of guarding him.

The problem is, Bayless has played Fultz many times in practice before, which leads me to believe he knows something we don’t. Brett Brown’s statements back up my fear.

Fultz’s jumper is important not only to his game, but to the Philadelphia 76ers’ playoff hopes. Let’s keep an eye on this; it could be a crucial issue.

Simmons also had some ups and downs. He started as a legitimate point guard and tried to guard Fultz (he did okay covering Fultz, but not great). Simmons seemed to have a good command of the offense and looked to push the pace often.

He dished nice passes and finished well at the rim. However, he took a bunch of head-scratching deep fadeaways and pull-ups. I get that it’s just a scrimmage, but he should probably stick to the shots he can make.

Next: Joel Embiid's 5-on-5 participation is an excellent sign

The Philadelphia 76ers looked mostly improved in their first real action since last season. Tune into their preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies Oct. 4 at 7:00 EST to get our next glimpse into the team’s future.