The Sixer Sense
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Familiarity should help Ersan Ilyasova’s transition

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 18: Ersan Ilyasova #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with referee Leroy Richardson #20 during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center on December 18, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers won 108-107. 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 Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 18: Ersan Ilyasova #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with referee Leroy Richardson #20 during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center on December 18, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers won 108-107. 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 Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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Ersan Ilyasova will jump right into action for the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Philadelphia 76ers have rounded out their roster for the final playoff push, cutting Trevor Booker in favor of Ersan Ilyasova. The latter’s return should be a significant boost to the bench, giving Brett Brown another stretch four to pair alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons for stretches.

Much to his benefit, Ilyasova already has experience in the Sixers’ system. He was their starting power forward for 40 games last season, and with the team for 53 games before being traded to Atlanta at the deadline.

Ilyasova averaged 13.1 points in 2016-17, which ended up being the highest mark of his career.

This time around, Ersan will step into a different role. He’ll take Trevor Booker’s minutes in the second unit, backing up Dario Saric. As somebody who mentored Saric last season, it’s almost as if things are coming full circle.

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Brett Brown won’t waste much time working Ilyasova into the rotation either. Unlike Marco Belinelli, who sat out his first game after signing with the team, Ilyasova is expected to play tonight in Cleveland. That probably boils down to familiarity, which both sides clearly have.

While he won’t be on the court as much as he was last season, Ilyasova still brings many of the same benefits. He’s a capable shooter and smart defensive player, drawing charges and playing within the system on that side of the ball.

As somebody who could start for a lot of teams, Ilyasova is a nice boost for a second unit that was starved of depth for most of the campaign.

Where the Sixers stand in the playoff race is still a bit foggy. They were closing in on the fourth seed just a few days ago, but have since dropped two straight to Washington and Miami. Now at 32-27, Philadelphia is a fraction of a percentage ahead of Milwaukee for the sixth seed. They’re 2.5 games behind the Wizards, who occupy the fourth seed.

While the Pistons are now three games out of the playoffs, there’s still plenty of time for things to change. If the Sixers hit a wall, there’s no guarantee that they make the playoffs. If they can put together another hot streak, home-court advantage is a real possibility.

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Given the presence of Embiid and Simmons, the Sixers could do a lot of damage once the postseason hits. Ilyasova, while no longer a primary cog, will also play a role in their success (or failure) moving forward.