Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from narrow victory over New York Knicks

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(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. The Sixers’ bench is a mess

The picture above is almost spectacular. The Sixers’ spacing, with T.J. McConnell and Ben Simmons on the floor, managed to yield four New York defenders in the painted area. It speaks to one of many issues with the Sixers’ current roster.

In general, the Sixers have one of the worst benches in the NBA. Embiid, Simmons and Jimmy Butler are good enough to win most nights, but against elite teams, such a pitiful second unit will make victories hard to come by. Elton Brand and Co. need to make moves.

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McConnell gets praise — and rightfully so — for his effort level, but don’t confuse the occasional backcourt steal or disruptive possession with quality defense. He’s undersized and, in most matchups, less athletic than his opponent. McConnell is a glaring weak point in the Sixers’ defense.

Bigger guards and wings often seek out T.J., aggressively attacking the 6-foot-2 guard (there’s no way he’s actually 6-foot-2) and getting to the rim with ease. Add in Furkan Korkmaz and Landry Shamet, neither of whom can guard at a high level, and the second unit tanks the Sixers’ defense on a regular basis.

It’s especially problematic when Embiid sits. He’s the only reliable source of rim protection on the roster, something Mike Muscala comes nowhere close to replicating in the second unit. Moose provides value with his shooting, but the Sixers’ primary four reserves are all negative defenders.

Jonah Bolden is a potential solution to the issue, but he’s still experiencing some growing pains. Often out of position and foul-happy, it will take time for Bolden to channel his effort and athleticism into consistent, high-level defense. He’s easily the most effective reserve on that end, though. Perhaps that deserves more playing time.