Why the optimism?
It starts today. The lineup is projected to be:
PG- Jerryd Bayless
SG- J.J. Redick
SF-Robert Covington
PF-Ben Simmons
C- Joel Embiid.
But let’s talk about two important points. Offensively, the team is
PG-Simmons
SG-Bayless
SF-Redick
PF-Covington
C-Embiid.
Versatility means 76ers get favorable matchups
So what? Well, it’s a clear demonstration why the Philadelphia 76ers stress versatility on the roster. And that is not differing roles game to game. Roles change based on which end of the basketball court the teams are playing. How is that a positive? Well it sets up Ben Simmons to threaten a triple double each game.
Joel Embiid gets significant help in the post with Simmons playing a big role in the paint. Both Covington and Redick can set up at the perimeter. Bayless can penetrate for the basket or shoot from beyond the arc. Even Covington and work near the basket. If you followed the preseason, you know that the 76ers will get a sweet matchup on the court they can exploit.
But eventually, starters must sit. The 76ers bench must step up.