The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Ideal end-of-game lineups for the Philadelphia 76ers

By Jason Dandy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 25: Robert Covington #33 celebrates with JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on October 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 25: Robert Covington #33 celebrates with JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on October 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 25: T.J. McConnell #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on October 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 25: T.J. McConnell #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on October 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Defense

  • G — T.J. McConnell
  • G — Justin Anderson
  • F — Robert Covington
  • F — Ben Simmons
  • C — Joel Embiid

Like the offensive unit, there is only one change to be made for the defensive unit. When the team is in absolute need of getting a stop, Justin Anderson should be substituted in for J.J. Redick. Anderson is two inches taller than Redick, and almost 40 pounds heavier than Redick. His versatility on defense is what got him to the league, and the team needs to have as much confidence in him as he has in himself.  Anderson believes that he is a top ten defender in the NBA, so he needs an opportunity to prove himself.

"“I also believe that I’m a Top-10 defender in this league. I have that confidence in myself. I want to take over defensively and have that reputation and get that respect.”"

McConnell is on the court because he has quickly developed a reputation for being a pest on defense. Not a possession goes by where McConnell doesn’t give his matchup every ounce of energy at his disposal. He picks his man up full-court and plays the passing lanes very well.

Covington is already one of the best defensive wing players the NBA has to offer, so his inclusion is obvious. His presence is felt all over the court, be it getting deflections in passing lanes, rotating off the ball to prevent the opposition from getting to the basket, or switching onto any player on the court and holding his own.

Simmons has surprised many with how well he has played on the defensive end thus far. Coming out of college, he was seen as a lazy defender who didn’t have the drive to play consistently good defense. In the NBA, however, he has been excellent on defense, and can create big plays in transition as a result.

Lastly, Embiid is another obvious choice, as when he is on the court the 76ers defense as a whole improve in almost every aspect. Teams only score 99 points against the 76ers per 100 possessions with Embiid on the floor because of his ability to protect the rim and make big plays as the help-defender.

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Overall, changes must be made as soon as possible. Too many games have already slipped away in this young season so far to stick with the current game plan. These new lineups should utilize the best aspects of the team on both ends of the floor, which would hopefully lead to more wins moving forward.