Philadelphia 76ers: Mike Scott is integral to championship aspirations

Mike Scott | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Mike Scott | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers’ bench will go a long way in determining their postseason success. That starts with Mike Scott.

Essentially viewed as a throw-in alongside Tobias Harris and Boban Marjanovic, Mike Scott‘s expectations were low joining the Philadelphia 76ers. Given the weak bench beforehand, any production would have been appreciated. Scott is already exceeding those expectations.

Standing 6-foot-8, Scott offers a great deal of versatility in the frontcourt. He’s a 41.4 percent three-point shooter, a number that has only spiked with increased volume in Philadelphia. He’s thriving in a bigger role as well, averaging nine more minutes per game compared to Los Angeles.

With Joel Embiid going on his eighth straight absence, Scott has proven valuable in holding the frontcourt together. His ability to operate as small-ball five, even with defensive shortcomings, has given the Sixers a dynamic offensive combination late in games.

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He’s proving himself to be an elite shooter, which adds a much-needed layer to the second unit. He’s someone who can space the floor at a high level, drawing defenders outside the paint and giving room to the stars who spearhead Brett Brown’s rotations.

Although it’s at a different position, Scott has muted the ill-effects of losing Landry Shamet to L.A. Rather than a bench filled with non-shooters and underperforming wings, Scott has given the Sixers another legit 40+ percent marksman. That’s an underrated asset to have next to Tobias Harris and J.J. Redick.

In the postseason, Brown will undeniably delve into Marjanovic and Jonah Bolden at the five spot. When it gets tight, however, Scott and Ben Simmons should assume frontcourt duties whenever Embiid sits. Some defensive situations will dictate otherwise, but that should emerge as Brown’s go-to in a high-stakes environment.

Scott has also given the Sixers some shot-creation, which is lacking elsewhere in the second unit. Jonathon Simmons and James Ennis are defensive upgrades over the previous wing rotation, but neither plays offense particularly well. T.J. McConnell has time-proven limitations.

With his ability to create in isolation, hit mid-range jumpers and exploit mismatches in the post, Scott fits the Sixers’ offensive identity quite well. He can assume different roles, hunt favorable matchups and offer a one-man spark in reserve. It’s fair to dub him a pleasant surprise.

In 11 games with Philadelphia, Scott is averaging 8.8 points in 23.3 minutes per game. That would be the second-highest scoring mark of his career, trailing only the 2013-14 season in Atlanta. It would also mark the highest minutes total of his career.

There are some negative undertones there — ideally, the Sixers don’t rely so heavily on Scott as their primary reserve — but he’s a significant upgrade at a position of need. He’s thoroughly outperforming Wilson Chandler, who as you remember, was starting at one point.

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If the Sixers are going to overcome challengers like Boston, Toronto or Milwaukee in the playoffs, the bench needs to step up. Even with the best starting five outside Golden State, a weak bench performance will end the Sixers’ run early. Scott will go a long way in determining that success.