Sixers: 3 lineup combinations worthy of experimentation
The Sixers continue to cling to first place in the East, and with only one major addition at the trade deadline, the team is mostly a known entity. We understand Doc Rivers’ tendencies, we understand the team’s strengths and weaknesses, and we understand just how close Philadelphia is to true contention.
While it would be overzealous to claim the Sixers at title favorites, there’s reason to suspect this team can — if nothing else — give Brooklyn second thoughts. Joel Embiid can shred every big on the Nets roster, and the Sixers are well-equipped as far as perimeter defenders go. If any team can make the Nets stumble, it’s the all-world defense led by the most physically dominant big of this generation.
That said, the Sixers still have room to experiment and maneuver the rotations a bit, especially after the George Hill trade. Hill was not the big addition many fans craved, but he will play an integral role in Philadelphia’s pursuit of a championship.
Sixers lineup combination: Small and speedy
- Paul Reed, Ben Simmons, Danny Green, Seth Curry, George Hill
With Joel Embiid out and Tony Bradley no longer on the roster, the third-string center minutes are unclaimed. While Mike Scott can stand on the perimeter and feign offensive competence, small-ball groups with him at the five are generally undesirable. The Sixers should instead give Paul Reed, the reigning G-League MVP, a real chance to earn minutes.
Reed is still raw and will need time to unlock his NBA potential, but it’s not common for 21-year-old rookies to win G-League MVP. He’s the kind of small-ball center the Sixers have desperately craved ever since Embiid arrived. Reed can move his feet on the perimeter, soar for blocks at the rim, and hit the occasional spot-up 3 on offense.
The Sixers should lean into Reed’s galloping, open-court style while Embiid continues to miss time. Give him the Mike Scott minutes, and let him and Ben Simmons run the floor with shooters on the wing. It will make for entertaining and interesting basketball, and I can’t imagine Reed would tank lineups any further than Scott.
Philadephia is in the unique position of needing wins and needing home-court advantage, which can make it difficult to lean on unproven rookies. Just ask Tyrese Maxey and Isaiah Joe. That said, Reed may have the strongest case for minutes of any Sixers rookie right now. He has the exact skill set they’re in need of, and his G-League production was nothing to scoff at.
Simmons and Reed are a versatile defensive backbone, while Green, Curry, and Hill can all splash 3s at a high clip. Hill even gives the Sixers another playmaking boost in the halfcourt, with the ability to set up teammates better than Shake Milton, who would otherwise occupy that spot in this hypothetical five-man group.