4 players who can make (or break) the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2018-19 season

3. Mike Muscala

If Shamet is Belinelli-lite, Mike Muscala will fill the void left by Ersan Ilyasova. Assuming Brett Brown keeps his preseason rotations, Moose will spend ample time at both power forward and center, likely emerging as the Sixers’ primary reserve in the frontcourt.

As was evident last season, the Sixers thrive whenever Ben Simmons is surrounded by shooting. Going four-out and upping the tempo when Embiid sits is effective, and Muscala allows them to do that.

Muscala is a solid defender who, at 6-foot-11, uses his length well around the rim. He isn’t an elite defender, but he can give the Sixers small-ball benefits without losing a quality defender at the rim.

A career 37.8 percent three-point shooter, Muscala is also an excellent spot-up threat. His shots weren’t falling in preseason, but that will even out once the regular season starts. He’s a reliable target for Simmons and Co. on the perimeter.

If Muscala can replicate Ilyasova’s value as a floor-spacing four and occasional small-ball five, the Sixers should be able to avoid significant regression from their second unit. That will be important in keeping the momentum from last season.