How to maximize the Philadelphia 76ers’ new additions on offense
By AJ Iezzi
Kyle O’Quinn: Playmaking
Kyle O’Quinn will be a seamless fit in the Sixers offense. In a system where the pass is king, Kyle O’Quinn has the chance to be a primary facilitator off the bench. O’Quinn brings two essential attributes to the Sixers. He’s a very good passer, and he’s not a liability on defense. He can properly spell for either Al Horford or Joel Embiid.
KOQ had a forgettable 2019 season in Indiana. He appeared in a career-low 45 games and averaged 8.2 minutes per contest, the lowest of his career. In 2017-18 with New York, he had the best season of his career. In 18 minutes per game, O’Quinn averaged 7.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 blocks.
His down season in Indy can be mainly attributed to the crowded Pacers frontcourt. O’Quinn was competing for minutes with
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O’Quinn carries a reputation has being a high-character and a hard worker. He’s a heady vet that loves dishing out assists. Planting KOQ near the foul line and surrounding him with spot-up shooters and cutters will give him the best chance to get involved in the offense. O’Quinn will almost certainly become a dribble handoff initiator in the second unit. The DHO is a staple in Brett Brown’s offense, and O’Quinn has the roll ability and the passing acumen to become the quarterback of the second unit offense.
Philadelphia has the potential to provide Kyle O’Quinn with a bounce-back season. His role is simple. When Horford and Embiid play, he’ll be asked to give the Sixers anywhere between 10-12 minutes per game. When one of the two does not play, expect his minutes to increase to 15-18. O’Quinn is low usage, but he’s efficient. Getting him into areas where he can involve others in the offense will be vital to establishing O’Quinn as the backup center the Sixers can count on … especially in the playoffs.