“Small” lineups should certainly be an option for the 76ers to start the season
Nick Nurse loves to challenge his opponents with brash lineups that have some extra punch, either in size or quickness, but he remains poised to give big minutes to his key contributors. In the 76ers case, Nurse will have to work with a new team in which only five players survived from last season's squad, and it is almost certain that the team will need time to find its footing.
Putting together “small” mobile groups and ensuring that at least one of Kyle Lowry, Tyrese Maxey, and Reggie Jackson will be on the court at any time is essential to starting the season. A combination alongside Maxey, Lowry, or Jackson in the lineup will ensure that the Sixers will have some decision-making fluency early in the season.
Ricky Council could also be a factor in these lineups, offering some extra offensive punch from the wing. Councli made huge strides as a shooter during the 2K25 Summer League, while the team could be a bit more mobile with two interchangeable or floor-stretching wings on the court. Council and Caleb Martin will be playing in the wing, and Drummond will be gobbling rebounds inside the paint, offering extra rest to Joel Embiid.
The Martin-Council duo could also open space for Drummond to become a valid threat inside the paint, while Lowry will be the pure veteran point guard the team needs to remain focused offensively. With this kind of lineup in place, the 76ers are getting back what they are losing in defense with extra offensive punch.
In any case, the Sixers have the roster flexibility to compete against any team in the West or East. It remains to be seen if they can build their chemistry in time for a championship or bust season.