The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday evening to finish out the preseason. It has been a very promising couple weeks for the Sixers, going 3-0 against Brooklyn and Cleveland, two prominent Eastern Conference contenders.
Joel Embiid has missed two of three games to this point, but the Sixers have weathered the storm with aplomb. It’s unwise to put too much stock (positive or negative) into preseason performances, but the positive impact of Philly’s improved depth is plain for all to see. The new guys feel like natural fits and the returning players look more comfortable than ever.
That being said, these three players in particular have stood out from the crowd.
Sixers who have stood out in preseason: Danuel House Jr.
Danuel House Jr. is the real deal, folks. The offseason acquisitions of P.J. Tucker and De’Anthony Melton garnered most of the attention, but House looks equally primed to have a significant footprint in the Sixers’ rotation. For too long, the Sixers have struggled to find players who can shoot, dribble, and defend. House feels like a revelation.
This shouldn’t really come as a shock. House looked great in Utah last season, where he revived his career after falling off the map in Houston. His experience playing alongside James Harden is no small thing, but his skill set will complement the likes of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey just as much.
On top of his excellent perimeter defense — made even more tantalizing when deployed in tandem with Melton — House has been quite the joy to watch offensively. He’s the quintessential role player. He converts on open looks from 3, he makes quick and decisive moves with the ball, he’s a selfless and fluid passer. It’s all quite overwhelming for someone who watched Matisse Thybulle and Tobias Harris share the wing for a year.
House should lead the bench “wings” in minutes (assuming we consider Melton a guard). He’s the best of the bunch. A true glue guy, with a skill set meant to tie things together and make life easier on stars. He should become a fan favorite.