Philadelphia 76ers: 5 reasons to love the Jimmy Butler trade

1. More options in the halfcourt

The Sixers’ offensive flaws are well documented. The point guards can’t shoot and the wings can’t dribble, leaving Brett Brown with limited options. As a result, the Sixers pass the ball more than any team, rely heavily on Embiid post-ups, and seldom run the pick-and-roll.

With Jimmy G. Buckets — the G stands for gets — all that will change.

As Brown noted in his post-game press conference, the Sixers need Butler’s scoring punch late in games. His ability to create off the dribble will help avoid stagnation down the stretch.

As currently constructed, the Sixers’ offense falters when things slow down. Their inability to get dribble penetration and create breakdowns allows the opposing team to execute its coverages and eliminate good looks.

With questionable spacing, it also makes it difficult for Embiid to post-up with consistent success. Teams can pressure Embiid on double teams without immediately fearing an open jumper elsewhere on the floor.

Butler’s pick-and-roll ability will add a much-needed wrinkle to the halfcourt offense. While Fultz uses the occasional Embiid screen to get downhill and hit short-range jumpers, Butler is a different beast.

Here, Butler uses the screen to get the defender on his back, patiently dribbling into a pull-up jumper while drawing contact.

He’s also an adept finisher with soft touch around the basket. He can absorb contact due to his strong frame, but also plays different angles to score in traffic.

In addition to his short and mid-range game, Butler can also score from deep. He’s a dynamic pull-up threat who can beat defenses at all three levels, something the Sixers presently lack. Hitting threes off the dribble isn’t a commonality in the Sixers’ offense.

While Butler isn’t an elite shooter, he still adds another dynamic to the offense. He’s shooting 37.8 percent from deep on 4.5 attempts per game this season, both of which are career highs. He’s a good enough spot-up threat to play off Simmons and Embiid.

In addition to his pick-and-roll scoring, Butler is also a capable passer, making smart reads and finding the roll man on a consistent basis. That’s an easy way to diversify Embiid’s shot profile and get him easier looks in the paint.

The same can be said for Simmons, who has shown flashes as the roll man in games past. Unlocking Ben’s off-ball scoring is key to maximizing the partnership with Butler.

Perhaps the most welcomed aspect of Butler’s game, however, is his isolation scoring. As Brown alluded to up top, the Sixers lack late-game shot creation, with the offense often shutting down and sluggishly running through Embiid.

Butler can get buckets, using crafty handles to generate space and hit difficult shots.

Being able to lean on Butler’s shot-making will do wonders for the Sixers’ late-game production, ideally warding off future collapses. He can help generate offense when set plays aren’t working.

When the Sixers take the court in Orlando on Wednesday, the team will look drastically different on both ends. Butler will add new and exciting layers to one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams. Get hyped, Sixer fans.