The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers, may we approach the bench?

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Amir Johnson
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Amir Johnson /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 24: Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot and General Manager Bryan Colangelo attend a press conference after being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft on June 24, 2016 in Philadelphia, PA. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 24: Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot and General Manager Bryan Colangelo attend a press conference after being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft on June 24, 2016 in Philadelphia, PA. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Bryan Colangelo, may we approach the bench?

The 2017-2018 bench strategy was very nearly a disaster for the Philadelphia 76ers. What appeared to be a cohesive jig saw fitted approach quickly devolved into a mad scramble of healthy bodies for an NBA team short on experience, bench offense, and healthy players. And the fact that Colangelo fell asleep at the wheel, in an almost pseudo-tanking approach to this team, was an egregious lapse in his responsibilities to this team.

The hole grew deeper as starters began to fall to minor injuries. This bench, intended to showcase Markelle Fultz and feature veterans like Trevor Booker, Jerryd Bayless, Amir Johnson, Justin Anderson, and even Nik Stauskas never happened. Oh, don’t blame the coach. He tried giving each player ample opportunities. Amir Johnson even got 10 starts. Bayless started 11 games. But the results were the same. Inconsistancy.  And on a team with five starters who play well enough for a playoff spot, that is unfair to the team, and to the fans.

Swimming to the playoffs means no wading pool

Playoff teams cannot dilute efforts to develop players who will see significant playing minutes. Not only does it distract the coaching staff from events on the basketball court, but no rookie should be counted on to deliver night after night. While some are forced into starting duty due to injuries, that is the exception.

So, it’s time to call the Philadelphia 76ers what they truly are. This is a rapidly improved team with post-season potential this season. In the future, this team should be in the hunt for an NBA Championship.  That means the front office has to up their efforts and effectiveness in building the roster for next season. I will even help them out.