The Philadelphia 76ers have two All-Stars in the frontcourt, as well as multiple small-ball possibilities. Don’t let that overshadow Kyle O’Quinn’s value.
Joel Embiid and Al Horford will man the Philadelphia 76ers‘ frontcourt next season. If Brett Brown so chooses, the Sixers can have 48 minutes of elite center play each night, using the All-Stars in unison and in solo stints.
In addition to Embiid and Horford absorbing minutes at the five, Philadelphia still has Ben Simmons and Mike Scott — two players who, in certain matchups, offer advantages as small-ball centers. Simmons is the more prominent option, simply due to his versatility on both ends.
Even with three All-Stars who can spend time at the five, Kyle O’Quinn was one of the Sixers’ most underrated signings this summer. He’s a natural five and won’t see major minutes, but he’s important insurance for a frontcourt in need of special preservation.
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The Sixers should load manage the heck out of next season. Embiid and Horford, through staggered minutes, can afford one another more rest. Embiid should get days off a la Kawhi Leonard, not playing back-to-backs and keeping the endgame in sight. The same goes for Horford, who’s 33 years old and on contract until age 37.
In high-leverage moments and important games, the Sixers should let Embiid and Horford do the heavy lifting. In less important moments, however, it’s important to limit their workload. The goal should be getting Embiid and Horford to those high-leverage moments in one piece.
That’s where O’Quinn factors in. He’s a legitimately good NBA center — something the Sixers lacked behind Embiid last season. Philadelphia went into a tailspin whenever Embiid sat last season, as both the offense and defense struggled to keep pace. It was in large part due to the lack of a useful reserve.
O’Quinn can fill minutes and carry the load when Embiid and/or Horford rest next season. He’s someone who can get a spot start and produce — providing rim protection, efficient scoring and a smart veteran presence at the five.
The Sixers no longer have to worry about Greg Monroe or Boban Marjanovic in the playoffs. Embiid and Horford, assuming all goes to plan, will shoulder every possible center minutes in the postseason.
In the regular season, however, O’Quinn should get a steady dosage of minutes as a distant third big. His presence is important to not only keeping Embiid and Horford fresh, but keeping the Sixers afloat when their star bigs do rest.
Given the circumstances, it might be difficult for fans to appreciate what O’Quinn brings to the squad. He would have been infinitely more valuable — and appreciated — last season, when his presence could have elevated the Sixers to title-contending status.
Now he’s here to win and ready to fill whatever role is needed. Brett Brown will focus his energy on the Embiid-Horford duo, but expect O’Quinn to play a key role in the regular season.