The Sixer Sense
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Sixers mailbag: Brett Brown shouldn’t be on the hot seat

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 27: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to head coach Brett Brown during a timeout against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 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 27: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to head coach Brett Brown during a timeout against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 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 – DECEMBER 7: Jerryd Bayless #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers jokes with the crowd after falling into the stands going after a loose ball in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 7: Jerryd Bayless #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers jokes with the crowd after falling into the stands going after a loose ball in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

What’s going on with Jerryd Bayless?

Bayless did miss six games with a wrist injury, which has seemingly correlated with his decline afterwards. If that’s the case, perhaps giving him some more time to recover would benefit both him and the team considering how poorly he has played recently.

If his wrist isn’t bothering him, then it’s time for the front office to make a serious push on the trade market. Bayless’ contract might not be that appealing since it won’t expire this summer, but again, it wouldn’t be surprising if a more established contender in need of perimeter depth was willing to kick the tires.

In terms of what the Sixers can do while he’s actually in the rotation, that’s more tricky. T.J. McConnell’s eventual return should allow Brown to avoid Bayless as the primary creator altogether, but that won’t solve the latter’s shooting woes. He just hasn’t been hitting shots lately, which is a problem considering his shot is what got him $27 million over three years.

Bayless is struggling defensively as well. He’s undersized in most matchups nowadays, and doesn’t have the athleticism to keep up more more explosive individuals. He’s simply an all-around weakness, and the Sixers need to a) look at resting him as I mentioned above or b) look for a way to replace at least some of his minutes.

Next: 5 reasons not to be worried about the Sixers

Ideally, Fultz’s return provides another option if Bayless can’t turn things around.