Philadelphia 76ers’ 2020-21 projected small forward depth chart

The Philadelphia 76ers have some legit defenders at the small forward position this season.

The Philadelphia 76ers have an unconventional point guard depth chart and a lot of floor spacing at the shooting guard spot. The Sixers have specialists at the small forward position as well. Primarily when it comes to defense.

Starter: Danny Green

Back in the late 2000s when I was a teenager watching the NBA, I remember the first time I heard the term “3-and-D” used was to describe what type of player Danny Green was as a young wing on the San Antonio Spurs. Green is a specialist when it comes to 3-point shooting and defense. He’s an ideal partner for Ben Simmons to have on both ends on the floor. Last year, the veteran averaged 8.0 points and a career-high 1.3 steals, while making 36.7 percent of his 3-pointers.

Backup: Matisse Thybulle

Matisse Thybulle probably won’t be a 3-and-D player for his career, but rather a D-and-3, meaning defense will be his top skill. Which is fine as he already shot 35.7 percent from downtown as a rookie. He also averaged 4.7 points on 1.4 steals. Learning from a pro like Green should certainly help Thybulle grow as a player.

Third String: Justin Anderson

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Despite only having a partially guaranteed deal, Anderson still got minutes in the 76ers’ preseason win against the Boston Celtics. He’s probably the strongest perimeter defender on this depth chart and outside of Simmons, the strongest perimeter one on the team. Hopefully, he sticks around for a second stint with Philly. Last year, he averaged 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Reserve: Tobias Harris

Whenever Shake Milton plays the role of a point guard, Simmons will probably be shifted to the power forward spot and Tobias Harris will have to play at small forward. He did this most of last year with mixed results. Last season he averaged 19.6 points and 0.7 steals. He’s much better at defending power forwards, but he’s probably the weakest defender on this list.

Others: Terrance Ferguson

Despite having a guaranteed contract, Terrance Ferguson didn’t play against the Celtics in the preseason opener. It could be just too many bodies and not enough time, but it doesn’t look good for the fourth-year wing. He’s a long and versatile defender but is limited inoffensive. Last year, he averaged 3.9 points and 0.5 steals.

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The Philadelphia 76ers a strong defensive presence on the perimeter thanks to the depth at the small forward position entering this season.