The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers need Markelle Fultz’s defense now

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 15: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers practices his foul shot prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on January 15, 2018 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 - JANUARY 15: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers practices his foul shot prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on January 15, 2018 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 76ers
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 9: Robert Covington #33, Markelle Fultz #20 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during practice as part of the 2018 NBA London Global Game at Citysport on January 9, 2018 in London, England. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Defense defines the player

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brown has helped to develop Robert Covington into an NBA starter, by emphasizing Covington’s defense first. He did the same thing with then Sixers shooting guard Nik Stauskas. He mentored both to be two-way players, emphasizing their defense to help their offense.  Now he has a third pupil.  But why defense?  The reality is that offense sells tickets, defense wins championships – in any sport.

Two-way players are incredibly valuable in the NBA. As such, they are rare as well.

Brown still pitching same philosophy

So you can bet the head coach continues pitching that same philosophy. And when the coach doesn’t notice, there is Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid to remind him.


Defense is not an individual effort, but an interweaving of varying skillsets and disciplines to neutralize the opponent’s ability to score. That does not fall on one player, but rather on the team. And with Joel Embiid with his back to the basket, the odds of a good defense are pretty good. But even Embiid needs time to pull off his responsibility and defend against a fast drive to the basket. If only the 76ers had a player equally fast, with quick hands to disrupt driving guards.