The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Sixers: 3 lineups worth deploying in 2022-23

By Christopher Kline

Tobias Harris, James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Sixers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Tobias Harris, James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Sixers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Sixers lineup worth deploying in 2022-23 — No. 2

  • James Harden
  • De’Anthony Melton
  • P.J. Tucker 
  • Tobias Harris 
  • Montrezl Harrell 

Last season, it was common for Embiid and Maxey to play the entire first quarter before Harden and Harris subbed back in to start the second. That’s a good strategy to continue in the new season. Again, at least one of Embiid or Harden should be on the floor at all times.

So, this should serve as the second round of substitutions to open the second quarter. Embiid and Maxey take a seat, Harden and Harris (and Tucker) rejoin the fold with Melton (who should lead the bench in minutes played) and Harrell, the most experienced backup center on the roster.

Harris played the best basketball of his Sixers career after Harden’s arrival last season. If he can continue to embrace a higher volume of 3s, this group will absolutely roll on offense. Tucker is a corner sniper who has years of experience playing off of Harden. Harrell is an excellent pick-and-roll big who can finish prolifically around the rim. He also has experience playing off of Harden. Melton is a second ball-handler to relieve pressure and another above-average shooter.

Another underrated benefit of this lineup: The Harden-Harris-Harrell alliteration. Say that five times fast. In all seriousness, this lineup has enough size and mobility in the frontcourt to counterbalance Harrell’s limited effectiveness as a rim protector. Melton, meanwhile, can handle the challenging guard assignments, allowing Harden to be stationed off the ball defensively.