Philadelphia 76ers Thanksgiving: One thing to be thankful for with every player

J.J. Redick — His shooting

Duh. The Sixers’ core consists of the following: a post-centric big, a non-shooting point guard, and an average-shooting wing. It’s important for Brett Brown to maintain spacing, and few shoot it better than J.J. Redick.

Even with Butler gradually working his way into the offense, Brett Brown devotes countless sets to opening up Redick on the perimeter. Whether it’s dribble hand-offs with Embiid or having Redick set the screen for Simmons, Brown finds creative ways to leverage J.J.’s gravity.

Throughout last season, Redick was the clear No. 2 scoring option. Even with a sixth man label early in the campaign, Redick’s role didn’t change much. Butler obviously changes his standing in the hierarchy, but the offense hums an entirely different tune sans Redick.

Currently in his age 34 season, Redick seems primed for a long career. His game relies on skill and I.Q. more than raw athleticism, which should help him transition into the later years. As long as he can shoot and move off-ball, the Sixers (or a different team) will find value.