How the Sixers can get over the hump, with or without Joel Embiid

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks shouts instructions as Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks comes into the game during the first half of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 25, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

New coach, new scheme: Getting over the hump, with or without Embiid

The modern NBA has been in full swing since Steph Curry revolutionized the game. Golden State’s constant ball movement and player motion are part of the reason why they’ve been a dynasty. Moreover, their 3-point shooting and spacing also catapulted them to the top of the NBA in the past decade.

Ever seen the Warriors work the ball inside-out like teams used to do in the first fifty years of the NBA? Outside of Tim Duncan’s Spurs and Shaquille O’Neal’s Lakers, what championship teams since the late 1990s have given the ball to their center to wait for double-teams? Exactly.

The Sixers’ offense since Embiid has been in Philly has revolved around the archaic idea of letting the ball be still in the post while four players stand around, hoping to shoot an open jumper. Although Embiid has added more to his game, his inept handling of playoff pressure by opponents in the half-court is what has killed the 76ers every postseason. So, what can be done to help Embiid thrive and lead the team to the next level?

A new coach with a new scheme can maximize the team’s success by making Joel Embiid a secondary option, with an emphasis on 3-point shooting. Sounds absurd? Hear me out. Look at the way Mike Budenholzer has achieved success in Milwaukee. What did he do with his best rim protector? Yes, Brook Lopez became a 3-point specialist who anchored the Bucks’ defense on the other end.

Like Embiid in his early years, Lopez was a prototypical, old-school center. Matter of fact, Lopez shot only 31 times beyond the arc in his first eight seasons. In his ninth season, he attempted 387. In 2018 with Milwaukee, his 3-point attempt total was 512! During his tenure under Mike Budenholzer, the Bucks have been to multiple conference finals and won a championship. Lopez has been an integral part of their success in his unconventional role.

Yes, that team has Giannis Antetokounmpo, but that team has movement and spacing more so than what the Sixers have had under Doc Rivers and Brett Brown. In addition, Giannis has been more adroit at handling postseason double teams than Embiid.

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For the 76ers, the movement could come by way of the guards and forwards coming off screens and forcing opposing defenses to worry about all five starters instead of targeting Embiid. With Maxey still growing his skillset and having the speed to draw defenders in the paint, a wide-open Embiid on the perimeter could morph into a Brook Lopez-type role and change the dynamic of how teams match up against the Sixers.

Of course, Embiid would still have the option to do other things, but a change in how he is used within a new offense could enhance their chances of making it out the second round next season.