The Philadelphia 76ers started the season with high expectations, but they are falling short through their first six games. The Philadelphia franchise won just one out of six games amid injury and fit concerns, but there is still hope as no season ended after just six contests played in the NBA's 82-game marathon.
In any case, the 76ers are in need of a spark to ignite a good run of games that will stabilize the situation and keep the team together through a rough start. Nick Nurse needs to figure out which of his players are ready to commit and perform on both ends of the floor, as the 76ers are struggling in the defensive (21st in OPP PPG) and the offensive end (23rd in PPG).
Paul George returned from a knee injury, and he will get back to his usual production soon. At the same time, Joel Embiid will be back with the team at some point, while the rest of the team will start to mold their chemistry with games adding up. There are still positives to take even after 5 defeats in six contests, and they are players that surprise us with their contribution amidst the 76ers struggles.
Veteran sharpshooter is the 76ers brightest spot to start the 2024-25 campaign
With players like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Caleb Martin on the wing, Eric Gordon was considered an afterthought for the Philadelphia 76ers. The optimal scenario for the franchise about the veteran was to knock down his shots in a limited amount of time and spread the floor for the rest of the team. However, he provided a lot more to start the year.
Gordon has been the best player in the 76ers' rough beginning, providing solid offensive presence when he comes off the bench. The former Rockets wing played with the second unit in 5 of the team's first six games. Gordon did his due diligence, shooting almost 39% from deep and making his field goals on a 58% clip in those 5 games that he started off the bench.
In addition to that, he's providing the team with a viable offensive option, as the 76ers are in the positive with him on the hardwood. Specifically, the Sixers have an offensive rating of 116.4 when Gordon is on the court, while they are a minus-14.7 with him sitting on the bench, per NBA.com. That's a surprising disparity that just shows Gordon's value to the 76ers and why he might have an important role for the team going forward.
The unheralded high-flying forward that fills 76ers with hope
If someone was asked to predict which 76ers players will provide a boost early in the season, KJ Martin would not be among the potential candidates. Signing a deal that was seen as a trading chip, Martin is proving his doubters wrong with his well-put contribution. The high-flying forward is fitted well for an off-ball cutter that can cause havoc with his athletic ability.
He has stayed on the court for 106 minutes so far this season, with the 76ers salvaging some of the team's starting lineup issues with him on the floor. The former Clippers and Rockets forward is setting the tone in the 17.3 minutes he's getting from Nick Nurse and his On/Off stats has been impressive despite the fact that the team is obviously struggling.
With Martin off the floor, Philadelphia is getting demolished with a minus-13.9 net rating. On the other hand, when the high-flying forward is playing, the 76ers are slightly better on offense and defense, outscoring opponents by 1.3 points per 100 possessions. Martin's stats are not that eye-catching, but his ability to win physical battles could still help the team going forward.
The overseas superstar who becomes a high-motor role player
Guerschon Yabusele arrived in Philadelphia later in the summer after his impressive Olympic Tournament with the French national team. The former Real Madrid superstar has already become a vital rotational piece for Philly. His ability to beat the opponent with his hustling and physical abilities is making him a much-needed cog in the 76ers machine.
The Frenchman is doing everything he can to ensure that he will remain in the NBA for the upcoming seasons. Against the Phoenix Suns, where Philadelphia fell due to Kevin Durant and co. 4th quarter comeback, Yabusele went for 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists in 30 minutes remaining on the floor for the majority of the game.
Since he returned to the NBA, Yabusele has started off the bench in six games and he has not disappointed with his contribution. He's shooting 39.3% from beyond the arc and making his field goal attempts on a 45.2% clip from the field. He spends most of his time in the power forward position, while he's also providing some extra help as a small-ball center. His effective usage will likely get magnified once the 76ers get healthy.