The Philadelphia 76ers are entering 2019 with plenty of expectations and The Sixer Sense has given the franchise some New Year’s resolutions.
Going into 2019, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in contention for the Eastern Conference, but they are still a ways away from being contenders for the NBA Championship. Each player has something they need to work on entering the new year as well as head coach Brett Brown and general manager (GM) Elton Brand. The Sixer Sense staff has come together to give all the 76ers New Year’s resolutions.
Elton Brand
By Lucas Johnson
Brand had a solid start to his tenure as the Sixers GM with the execution of the Jimmy Butler trade, still his work isn’t done. There are plenty of upgrades Brand needs to make in order for the club to have a legit shot at a championship. Brand’s New Year’s resolution is simple: upgrade the bench.
The point guard position is probably the one spot Brand doesn’t need to worry about upgrading. With Ben Simmons as the starter along with the bench depth of Markelle Fultz, T.J. McConnell, Demetrius Jackson and to a lesser extent Landry Shamet, the Sixers are solid at point guard. It’s basically the rest of the bench that’s the issue.
Both wing positions are lacking defense and whenever Zhaire Smith makes his debut he should help there. But if Brand has a chance to land a 3-and-D player via Trade or free agency, he needs to do so. Then the power forward position is the thinnest of all, so filling that need is a must. The center position could use an upgrade as well, Mike Muscala has been solid, but it would be great to have a more defensive oriented player there as well.
Upgrading the bench should easily be the main New Year’s resolution for the Sixers rookie GM entering 2019. If he can fulfill this resolution, then there’s a strong chance the 76ers could make the NBA final this postseason.