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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Ersan Ilyasova

Season stats: 10.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks, 43.9% FG, 36.1% 3PT, 73.3% FT

Grade: B+

Ers-quake came into Philly after the Atlanta Hawks bought out his contract mid-season, and he filled a huge hole in the Sixers’ roster. Before he arrived, Coach Brown trotted out Amir Johnson and Trevor Booker as the first four and five off the bench. Luckily, Trillyasova’s league-average shooting ability alleviated the bricklayers’ painfully awkward shooting from outside of five feet.

The Turk played a crucial role in halting the lead-blowing days. The Philadelphia 76ers’ second unit before his arrival consisted of T.J. McConnell, Jerryd Bayless, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot or Justin Anderson, Trevor Booker, and Amir Johnson. None of those players can shoot consistently from three-point range or create their own shots.

Ilyasova shot well enough for the Sixers’ needs, and just his presence on the three-point line kept defenses alert to him at all times. Defenders usually closed him out as soon as he caught the ball on the perimeter, which helped greatly whenever he attacked the basket.

At 6-10, 235 lbs., the 31-year-old doesn’t intimidate many players when he inhabits the lane on defense, but his I.Q. for the game and grit aided him in averaging 0.3 charges taken per game, good enough for eighth-most in the league.

The acquisition helped bring the best out of the rest of the second string lineup, so Bryan Colangelo must make sure he brings Ilyasova back next year… but hopefully, he will have to pick a new number.