The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers developing developing dilemma

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 24: General Manager Bryan Colangelo of the Philadelphia 76ers watches the game in the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the Wells Fargo Center on January 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 115-101. 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 24: General Manager Bryan Colangelo of the Philadelphia 76ers watches the game in the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the Wells Fargo Center on January 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 115-101. 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 2: Joel Embiid
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 2: Joel Embiid

Concrete needs take priority

if the team must recalibrate their development plans, then the team must recalibrate the team needs. So what are those needs?

I –  Center backup – The Philadelphia 76ers are run through the play of center Joel Embiid. Right now the drop off when he steps off the court is simply too great. the team must find a way to upgrade his backup. Bringing Anzejcs Pasecniks to the NBA is a top priority for next season.  The team is scrambling to find ways to rest him this season.  Getting a bona fide center reserve is very important.

Joel Embiid has shown enough this season for the team to begin to relax on working worst-case scenarios of “what if he can’t” in terms of number of games and playing minutes. At 53 games this season, with 18 remaining, and with an average playing time of over 31 minutes per game, Embiid has proven he can be relied upon by the 76ers. But he is an incredible player, and he is taking far too many lumps, bumps, and focus of opposing teams.  The team must get the bench upgraded to lessen the load on JoJo.

Wings and forwards

II – Wing starter/bench – Who steps up for the Philadelphia 76ers at the wing position next season? Whoever you name, there is a bit of subjectivity in your answer. While Markelle Fultz is a consensus for next season, is he the starter on day one? If not, the team must begin discussing retention of J.J. Redick or signing some free agent. But that too comes at the cost of playing time for younger players, and roster spots for rookie prospects.  While the team must sort out who plays the starting role, and who plays the reserve role, there are currently five players with a stake in the outcome. Redick, Fultz, Belinelli, Korkmaz, and Luwawu-Cabarrot are all competing for 2018 consideration. Redick and Belinelli must persuade the team to re-sign them. Fultz, Korkmaz, and TLC must prove to the team that re-signing veterans is not necessary.

III- Power forward backup – The team has a solid starter in Dario Saric. He gets better the more he plays, and right now he is playing his best basketball of the season. And he has Richaun Holmes, Ersan Ilyasova and Amir Johnson backing him up. But both Johnson and Ilyasova contracts expire, and Holmes gets limited looks at both center and power forward. PF Jonah Bolden is already eagerly anticipated with his impressive versatility. His arrival is an easily handled matter.  And with Saric, Holmes, and Bolden, the roster appears to be set.