Philadelphia 76ers 0-3 preseason shows plenty of positives

By Bret Stuter | Oct 10, 2017

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 6: JJ Redick /

Free Agent signings pure golden

So where is the talent? Well, the J.J. Redick and Amir Johnson signing’s appear to be bullseyes so far. Redick already appears incredibly comfortable at 11.5 PPG on just 20.5 MPG. Amir Johnson is averaging 8.0 PPG at 19 MPG. More importantly, both have demonstrated both affinity and expertise at sinking that three-point shot. That is exactly what you want from veterans. Solid production, calm collected psyche. So what about Jerryd Bayless?

Bayless has averaged over 19 minutes per game, and translated that into 9.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 1.3 APG. He has played in all three preseason games, and his versatility of point guard to shooting guard appears to be shooting guard for the team so far.

Even Emeka

Even 6-foot-10 Emeka Okafor is delivering better than expected. And with the unexpected injury to Richaun Holmes, eOkafor has averaged 9.1 minutes per game, and averaged 3.7 points in those games. That is very important to a team navigating the center position with limits to Joel Embiid, a day-to-day “can he play?” status upon Jahlil Okafor, and the recent injury to Richaun Holmes.

But the veterans are actually a small part of the equation. What of those dynamic duo rookies, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz?