The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: 5 things to consider about Al Horford signing

By Christopher Kline

Al Horford | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Al Horford | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

4. Size and physicality

The Sixers’ starting five last season was bigger and more physical than most others. Next season, that size will get ratcheted up another level. The Sixers are almost guaranteed the NBA’s biggest starting lineup, including three players listed 6-foot-10+.

Here are the listed measurements for the Sixers’ new starting five.

  • Ben Simmons: 6-foot-10 | 7-foot wingspan
  • Josh Richardson: 6-foot-6 | 6-foot-10 wingspan
  • Tobias Harris: 6-foot-8 | 6-foot-11 wingspan
  • Al Horford: 6-foot-10 | 7-foot-1 wingspan
  • Joel Embiid: 7-foot-2 | 7-foot-6 wingspan

The Sixers’ smallest starter is Richardson, a switchable wing listed at 6-foot-6. He’s a massive upgrade over J.J. Redick, who was a weak point in Philadelphia’s stout defense last season. The Sixers upgraded size there, then essentially swapped Jimmy Butler for Horford — a strong, physical big who can switch screens and survive on the perimeter. Horford locked up Ben Simmons and Giannis Antetokounmpo last season.

It’s fair to attribute the Raptors’ second-round struggles this past postseason to Philadelphia’s size on defense. It forced Nick Nurse to make sweeping adjustments, and even then, a historic Kawhi performance barely got Toronto over the hump.

Now the Sixers are bigger, even more versatile, and don’t have a glaring hole at two-guard. Brett Brown can switch screens without risking a crippling mismatch. Horford and Embiid can contain guards when needed. Harris can defend the post as necessary. Simmons can guard all five positions.

If the effort is there, Philadelphia should have a top — if not the top — defense in the NBA next season. Horford is not only has the physical tools, but is one of the NBA’s smartest defenders. He’s going to win over fans quickly on that end.