Sixers podcast: All-Star Game scratches | Midseason Grades | Trade options

Although the Philadelphia 76ers’ two young stars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, missed the 2021 NBA All-Star game due to contact tracing, there’s still plenty of issues to discuss surrounding the Sixers.

In this episode of The Sixer Sense Podcast, Jonathan Geib and I dive into a range of topics that 76ers fans are sure to enjoy. Lucas and Chris were missed, but we filled in best we could to keep the show going.

The Sixers’ two All-Stars were unable to suit up in Atlanta, and the team has much to accomplish in the second half of the season. Let’s recap.

We start out with reactions to the news of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons missing the All-Star game. While we discussed surface feelings of fan satisfaction about the two stars making the team, we go deeper into why we were somewhat glad that they did not play. While it was disappointing that they did not suit up, there were feelings shared that their last minute scratch, due to contact tracing, was probably a blessing in disguise.

Right after that topic, Jonathan and I offer our midseason grades for each player who earned relevant minutes during the first half of the regular season. Which players earned an A, B, or C? Who was the only player to get a D? Did anyone get an F? Listen to find out!

Once the grades are wrapped up, we discuss the possibility of two players from the Orlando Magic being trade pieces that could end up on the 76ers. With Philly relying heavily on Shake Milton for bench scoring, which player from Orlando could be traded to the Sixers and lend a hand with scoring as the playoffs approach?

Finally, the podcast discusses Joel Embiid’s comments last week directed at Keith Pompey for an article written that pointed out the star center’s games missed against elite centers. We debate also on whether or not NBA stars use media criticism as extra motivation when they play.

Thanks for tuning in. Please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Google Play to catch any and all future conversations about the Philadelphia 76ers. Before you go, please leave a Google or Apple review and/or comment about the podcast to let us know your thoughts about how we are doing. We appreciate your feedback!