Why the Sixers will reach the NBA Finals: Strong supporting cast
The 76ers had one of the worst benches in the league last season. When a streaky and injury-laden Shake Milton is your sixth man in a playoff series, you can’t have much belief in your title chances. Add to that fact a Georges Niang whose limited mobility and athleticism emerged as a liability versus Miami, the Sixers did not have much of a shot at maintaining any playoff leads or climbing back into a game from a deficit.
Because the Sixers’ front office prioritized acquiring more 3-and-D wings and a backup center who is a solid offensive option, the starters will be able to rest minus the pressure of reclaiming lost leads. This is not to say there won’t be bumps and bruises along the way, but by springtime, those learning lessons for the role players will pay dividends in the playoffs.
Figuring that De’Anthony Melton and Danuel House Jr. come as advertised, the 76ers’ 3-point potency should be stronger while not relinquishing as many points against opposing wing players. Both players have wingspans long enough to bother perimeter shooters and enough speed to recover in space. Now, just imagine if Matisse Thybulle reaches his potential. Talk about a lethal wing rotation.
With the addition of Montrezl Harrell, the Sixers are not in the unfavorable playoff roster predicament that would require Joel Embiid substitutions like Greg Monroe, Boban Marjonovic, DeAndre Jordan, or Paul Millsap. Considering Harrell is still relatively young (28) and has averaged double digit points for his career, this free agent signing will close a huge gap in the rotation that has hindered the Sixers in the past.