4. Individual creation
This problem has bitten the Sixers on more than one occasion this year, but it’s pretty dang simple: Outside of Embiid and Simmons, they lack players who can regularly create their own shots. That means baskets are hard to come by when the offense is forced out of rhythm, like it was Monday night.
Markelle Fultz was supposed to be the solution to that issue, but he’s still finding his groove as an NBA player. He played just five minutes in game two, which could be a sign of decreased confidence from Brett Brown. With a jumper that has looked especially shaky in limited attempts lately, that’s understandable.
Still, it’s something Philly has to address. An Embiid return would be a big boost, and ideally Brown can keep at least one star on the court at all times once that occurs.
If Embiid isn’t back next game, the Sixers are going to have to find ways to manufacture points when shots aren’t falling. T.J. McConnell‘s poise and high-I.Q. passing is certainly beneficial, but he’s not a better alternative to Fultz.
The Sixers need their rookie point guard to kick up the aggressiveness and look for his own shots more often, even if they aren’t falling with elite efficiency. He’s easily the craftiest isolation scorer they have, regardless of how far his range extends. It’s time to embrace that.