The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers 2017-18 season report cards

By Rusty Gorelick

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 5: Robert Covington #33 and Justin Anderson #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 5: Robert Covington #33 and Justin Anderson #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Justin Anderson

Season stats: 6.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.2 blocks, 43.1% FG, 33% 3PT, 73.7 FT

Grade: C-

Although Simba started and finished the season on the roster, he appeared in just 38 games this season, battling ankle and shin injuries in the process. He found it hard to find a spot in the rotation due to his health issues, and by the time the Conference Semifinal series against the Celtics became out of reach for the Sixers, it became evident that Brett Brown had misused the University of Virginia product.

For the majority of the second half of the season, Brown decided to play Marco Belinelli, T.J. McConnell, and J.J. Redick together when some of the starters sat, rather than putting Anderson in for some athleticism and energy.

That decision came back to bite Philly on multiple occasions in the playoffs since none of those three guys can defend the average small forward well. Had Anderson stayed healthy for the majority of the season, he would have added a solid defensive presence to the second unit.

Simba ended the season on a high note with a 25-point outing against the Milwaukee Bucks. He shot 5-12 from deep and added six boards. That game was Anderson’s best part of a quiet, injury-laden season. His next-best games in terms of scoring were four 12-point games scattered throughout the season. His advanced stats did not do him any favors, either: he posted a weak -0.5 offensive box plus-minus and a career-low -1.5 defensive box plus-minus.

Anderson proved himself as a decent role player, but if he wants to stake his claim for a long-term position on the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster, he needs to elevate his game this summer. Competition for roster spots will heat up fast this summer, especially with the team looking to add a superstar wing. If the former UVa star can add some consistency to his jumper and defensive game, then he could make himself into an important role player on a good 76ers squad.