Sixers: 5 studs, 3 duds from first few weeks

The Sixers are 8-5 and in the midst of a three-game losing streak. With a difficult six-game road stretch on the horizon, and Joel Embiid still sidelined due to COVID, it’s easy to get down in the dumps. Fortunately, the Sixers have given fans plenty to get excited about this season, with strong performances across the board.

In this article, we will focus on five studs from the first 13 games of the season. Five players who, for one reason or another, have stood out in a positive light. We will also focus on three duds, although the list of true disappointments in Philly is short right now.

Let’s start on a positive note.

One Sixers stud from first few weeks: Andre Drummond

On the season, Andre Drummond is averaging 7.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks. Those numbers have inflated drastically in his four starts, notching over 20 rebounds on two separate occasions.

Drummond has given new life to the second unit, both as a defensive anchor and with his pure ambition offensively. He’s not flawless, which has been well documented over the years, but Drummond’s size, mobility, and sheer force of will have elevated the bench in a major way.

The 28-year-old has been knocked for his wavering effort over the years, but so far, that has not been a problem in Philadelphia. Drummond has been keyed in every night, playing mostly within himself on offense and wreaking absolute havoc on defense. His presence in the passing lanes, combined frequently with the smothering perimeter defense of Matisse Thybulle, gives Philadelphia’s second unit a legitimately great defensive backbone. Very few bigs have defended better per-minute in drop coverage than Drummond this season.

Drummond’s sense of self offensively can still outstrip his skill set from time to time, but for every errant behind-the-back, mid-air jump pass, we get a legitimately breathtaking thread-the-needle moment from one of the NBA’s most audacious passing 7-footers. His willingness to move the ball, and his ability to orchestrate plays from the high post, has added a fascinating dynamic that was missing in the years of Dwight Howard or Amir Johnson.

Right now, it is plain to see that Drummond is the best backup of the Joel Embiid era. He’s the first truly reliable rim protector and offensive contributor behind the Sixers’ MVP candidate, and that alone should give the fanbase newfound confidence.