First wing off the bench: James Ennis
This is tougher than one might expect. In the end, this honor might fall on Zhaire Smith’s lap. But to the begin the season, experience and comfort win out. Ennis earned his stripes in the postseason, functioning as the Sixers’ most reliable reserve in a paper-thin playoff rotation.
Both Ennis and Smith provide different benefits, so lineup constructions will go a long way in determining which is used when. Ennis is a better spot-up shooter and an active, sometimes chaotic defender. Smith is an on-ball defensive prodigy who can attack closeouts and finish lobs at 6-foot-4.
Perhaps the first round of substitutions could look like this…
Ben Simmons — James Ennis — Tobias Harris — Mike Scott — Al Horford
Second wing off the bench: Zhaire Smith
Again, there’s a chance Smith earns No. 1 honors before the season ends. It’s more about burden of proof at this stage. We haven’t seen Zhaire play extended minutes in an NBA setting. He spent a good chunk of last season in a hospital. He will need to build on an impressive Vegas run.
While there are definite limitations to Smith’s repertoire, he’s an improved spot-up shooter who can capably attack in a straight line. His handles still need refinement, but he can get dribble penetration and pass on the move. That’s a huge step in the right direction.
In the postseason, Smith’s on-ball defense might hold extra value. The Sixers don’t have a ton of on-ball talent beyond Simmons and Richardson, so Smith could fill a critical role against quick-twitch point guards.
The Sixers can theoretically use Ennis and Smith as the first subs too.
Ben Simmons — Zhaire Smith — James Ennis — Tobias Harris — Al Horford
Scraps: Matisse Thybulle, Furkan Korkmaz
The Sixers should give Matisse Thybulle run early in the season. He’s a better shooter than Smith, spent four years in college and will boost the defense with his off-ball instincts. He can get into passing lanes, nab weak-side blocks and spark transition offense. His speed on the break after forcing turnovers is an underrated attribute.
With that said, Thybulle can’t yet break down defenders beyond one or two-dribble pull-ups. He’s prone to losing his handle and coughing up turnovers. The Sixers need shooting, which gives Thybulle a fighting chance, but Zhaire’s potential dynamism and on-ball defense provide the edge for now.
Furkan Korkmaz‘s return was a weird one. Unless he shows marked improvement, he’ll ride the bench.