Sixers: 3 lineups worth deploying in 2022-23

Sixers lineup worth deploying in 2022-23 — No. 3

• James Harden
• Matisse Thybulle
• Danuel House Jr.
• Tobias Harris
• P.J. Tucker

I’m going to shoehorn Matisse Thybulle into the proceedings here (even though I’m not convinced he’s a better fit than Melton in this particular hypothetical). At some point, the Sixers have to experiment going small with Tucker at the five. This lineup could credibly switch all five positions.

This is probably the best type of lineup for Thybulle. No center who requires space to operate in the post. Only Harden, Harris, and spot-up shooters. Thybulle isn’t a reliable 3-point shooter yet, but he can convert on dives to the rim every now and then. Using him as a screener for Harden while three shooters space out to the 3-point line is a good way to keep Thybulle (and his defender) involved in the action.

Tucker has ample success playing center in the past and he could very well be the Sixers’ best option behind Embiid once the playoffs arrive. Harden, meanwhile, is one of the great 3-point generators in the NBA. Station a bunch of shooters around him and he will deliver them good looks.

At the end of the day, this lineup’s success could depend on the extent of Harden’s offensive rejuvenation. Is he consistently putting pressure on the rim and forcing the defense to collapse? If not, then it could become more prudent to swap out Thybulle for Melton or Maxey to give the offense some extra kick.