Mike Scott allows the Philadelphia 76ers to maintain constant size and shooting

The Philadelphia 76ers will need Mike Scott to bring the same energy next season.

Mike Scott — renaissance man, leader of the Hive and lover of FIFA. Fresh off signing a two-year extension, he has cemented his place in Brett Brown’s rotation. He will anchor the Philadelphia 76ers‘ second unit next season, offering important flexibility in the frontcourt.

At 6-foot-9, Scott has a sturdy frame and NBA athleticism. He’s not explosive, but he can move his feet on the perimeter, defend in space and run the floor. In the Sixers’ up-tempo system, he’s a clean fit at power forward.

On the heels of a difficult stint in Los Angeles, Scott looked rejuvenated upon joining the Philadelphia 76ers last season. In 27 games with the team, he averaged 7.8 points and 3.8 rebounds. His 41.2 percent clip from 3-point range was a team-high mark.

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Scott provides valuable spacing at the four spot, an attribute the Sixers will value more than ever next season. Following Jimmy Butler‘s departure, there will be renewed emphasis on ball movement and generating open 3s.

The Sixers will need Scott to occupy a similar role — spotting up on the perimeter, running a handful of screening actions and posting up smaller defenders. He fits the Sixers’ identity of not only spreading the floor, but attacking smaller defenders when afforded the opportunity.

A good 3-point stroke and an underrated in-between game will keep Scott effective. He has been largely the same player since his days at Virginia, with fluctuations in role and scale. There’s reason to believe he can recapture his effectiveness next season, especially considering his overt contentment in Philadelphia.

In addition to his fit — both offensively and defensively — Scott’s versatility will play a key role in maximizing the Joel Embiid–Al Horford frontcourt. While Scott will never share the court with both simultaneously, his presence affords Brown more avenues to structure his lineups when one sits.

Scott has the size and physicality to maintain Philadelphia’s stranglehold on opposing defenses. He also has a skill set that meshes cleanly with both Embiid and Horford. Whereas Embiid needs spot-up shooters in the corner, Scott can also work the inside-out game with Horford.

As for chemistry, there’s a solid rapport on both fronts. Scott and Embiid were an effective pairing last season, while Scott and Horford have a connection that dates back to Atlanta. There should be little issue in making both pairings work again.

While Scott’s natural position is the four — and I’m not suggesting he move up or down a position — there is flexibility in how his talents are deployed. The Sixers can still place the likes of Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris on the floor with Scott. At no point will Philadelphia have to go small.

Boasting the lateral quickness to defend quicker forwards to a reasonable degree, Scott can survive as a natural four against smaller rotations, all while maintaining the Sixers’ distinct advantage on offense. The Sixers can essentially keep a jumbo-sized rotation on the floor without suffering immense consequences in Embiid or Horford’s absence.

Scott gives Brett Brown the right blend of size, toughness and shooting to play an integral role in Philadelphia’s upcoming title pursuit.