The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers could legitimately field winning tall ball lineup

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 3: Ben Simmons #25 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers play against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 3, 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 - NOVEMBER 3: Ben Simmons #25 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers play against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 3, 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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How would it work?

Well, Embiid, Covington and Simmons are pretty easy to guess at, as they already stand on the starting lineup and have defined roles.  The addition of Dario Saric gives the team a “J.J. Redick – like” presence on the court at the perimeter offense, but adds another body to give the team basket defense.

So who adds to the perimeter defense?  That is where TLC comes in.  He is developing as a great bookend defender to compliment the skillset of Robert Covington.   While he is not there yet, he is improving.  By the Christmas Holidays, he could be ready to join the other skyscrapers simultaneously.

Tall ball lineup disrupts opponents in the paint

The pattern of this line-up is to frustrate the opponent in the paint, create turnovers, and score quick points in the transition game.   With Simmons handling the traditional point guard role in an unconventional way, he initiates the offense.  Embiid maintains a close proximity to the basket, and TLC, Covington, and Saric set up at or near the perimeter to give plenty of spacing and allow Simmons to drive to the basket.  On defense, Embiid guards the basket, with Saric in a traditional four defensive location.  Covington and TLC defend the wings. That forces Simmons to defend the point guard.  But he is already doing that:

Simmons may not be the best defender against a point guard, but for argument’s sake, he’s far better than he should be.  And so the greatest risk, placing Simmons to defend an NBA point guard, is not new.