Sixers bench players with the most to prove

To have reserves come in and maintain an early lead or close a gap while starters sit, consistency is the key. If you look at bench units like the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, and Los Angeles Clippers, they have players that can be counted on each night. For Philly, Shake Milton has proved himself their most dependable scorer. Unfortunately, he missed a number of games that severely impacted the reserve rotation and production.

In the meantime, a few Philadelphia 76ers bench players still have a lot to prove as the playoffs draw closer. Let’s look at several players who must step up so that the Sixers can be primed for a deep playoff run.

Sixers bench players with most to prove: Dwight Howard

When Dwight Howard was signed in the off-season, it was as much a surprise for Sixers fans as for Lakers fans. In L.A., he earned his first title, but things between Lakers management and Howard did not go over well, and he landed in Philly. So far, he has been a solid teammate and great vet in the locker room. His production on the court though has drawn some deserved criticism.

His points average is at the lowest of his career (5.9), and he does not even average a full block per game, playing almost 17 minutes a night. To back up Joel Embiid, who will need crucial rest in the playoffs, Howard must do more.

Despite averaging a decent 7.8 rebounds a game, Howard commits 3.1 fouls and 1.8 turnovers a game, again, under 17 minutes of playing time. In addition, his free throw shooting is atrocious, only making 51 percent whenever he is at the line.

Although he has been a good soldier since putting on a Sixers jersey, Howard could get moved before the trade deadline if Daryl Morey finds another center who can produce more points and be more consistent. While Joel Embiid rests, the Sixers need a steady presence in the middle to have future success. Howard knows this, so we can all only hope he turns his game around as this season continues

Sixers bench players with most to prove: Matisse Thybulle

Another likeable player who has not set the world on fire with a certain aspect of his game is Matisse Thybulle. His only saving grace for his reserve play this year has been his obvious defensive impact. Yet, his glaring weakness affects the second unit, especially when Philly is trying to preserve a lead or get back into a game when Seth Curry sits.

Currently, his offensive numbers look like this: 3.2 points per game, shooting 38 percent. His 3-point shooting is even more dismal at 27 percent. The saddest part about Thybulle’s shooting woes is that his numbers are down from last year. Typically, rookies improve, even slightly, in their second year. This is clearly not the case for Thybulle.

The knock on Thybulle has always been his jumpshot. It is no question a flaw that must be fixed come playoff time. When each possession matters even more in half-court paced games, a number of open misses by Thybulle will surely hurt the team. Yes, his deflections, steals, and blocks provide necessary stops, but if he cannot convert on the offensive end, Doc Rivers may have to play other reserves more minutes to keep the opposing defense honest.

I have been very supportive of Matisse Thybulle in my past opinions, but to give the Sixers a true advantage in the playoffs, he must prove that he can knock down open shots.

Sixers bench players with most to prove: Furkan Korkmaz

The Sixers’ bench player with the most to prove is Furkan Korkmaz. Let’s face it: when Korkmaz is on, he is impressive. When he is off, let’s just say he looks like he could barely play for the Delaware Blue Coats.

He has been with the Sixers since 2017, and his numbers improved in the subsequent two seasons. This year? Korkmaz is underperforming and hurting the bench production in the process.

He is averaging 7.3 points a game on 37 percent shooting. His tepid offensive scoring beyond the arc is a disappointing 31 percent. Because he is so one-dimensional, should he be having an off-night shooting, his defense compounds the struggles for a bench unit that has already missed multiple games by Shake Milton. If Korkmaz does not get hot, and do it quickly, Morey could use his trade value to be shipped off for a more reliable scorer.

For Korkmaz, there are no more excuses. It is his fourth year, and he must redeem himself from a horrendous playoff performance last season. A stat line that Korkmaz, along with Sixer fans, hope to erase in April is the Boston series nightmare. In four games versus the Celtics, Korkmaz averaged 0.8 points per game. His only points came from free throws. In almost 40 minutes of play that series, he did not score a single field goal.

Luckily, the Sixers have Shake Milton on the team to provide scoring off the bench. However, if Korkmaz, Thybulle, and Howard do not step up and produce more offense from here on out, the Philadelphia 76ers will surely struggle to hold leads or climb back into games. The time to start stepping up is now.