Ranking every player on the Sixers’ 2021-22 roster

Ranking every player on the Sixers roster — 4. Seth Curry

Seth Curry averaged 21.2 points on 59.6 percent 3-point shooting in the Sixers’ second-round series against the Hawks. That is a seven-game sample of absolute dominance from Curry on the biggest stage, against an opponent well-equipped to defend him. That is no doubt what triggered his rise to No. 4 on this list.

Very few NBA shooters can claim superiority to Curry behind the 3-point line. In the regular season, Curry hit 45.0 percent (!!!) of his attempts from long distance. That is absurd efficiency, no matter the volume. That naturally stretches the defense, with opponents game-planning specifically for Curry’s gravity on the perimeter.

If Curry can maintain the volume and aggressiveness he displayed in the Atlanta series, then he will earn this ranking and potentially even more. Curry has always been unequivocally elite in his role, but if the 30-year-old can expand beyond that role and become a more consistent source of shot creation on the perimeter, he could ascend to new heights entirely. We have seen shooters experience career seasons next to Joel Embiid before (see: J.J. Redick).

Of course, that is a big if. Curry has been notoriously gun-shy for stretches in the past, and his long career as a role player is likely more indicative of his skill set than one playoff series. That said, with Simmons currently holding out, the Sixers will need to turn elsewhere for production. Curry is primed to step in, if only he seizes the opportunity.

The biggest drawback to Curry, of course, is his defense. The Hawks punished him relentlessly on that side of the ball, and at 6-foot-2, Curry lacks the natural athleticism to make up for his short stature. He’s not particularly quick, and even strong effort can overcome the simple fact that most starting-caliber NBA guards are more athletic.