For Whom the (Almost Quiet) Bell Tolls: Part III
On July 12th, the Sixers officially introduced their 2019 crop of free agency signings (hopefully not entirely) in addition to wrapping up their Las Vegas Summer League campaign. As the NBA is seemingly about to enter a brief hiatus until training camp, let’s analyze the significance of that meaningful day.
It’s Great to See New Faces, But Familiar Ones Remind Us What’s Important
Don’t get me wrong, it was awesome to finally see the likes of Al Horford and Josh Richardson don their #42 and #0 in the “PHILA” blue. Those two are clearly going to be major contributors to the Sixers’ quest for the 2020 NBA Finals. Moreover, as players who have consistently been reliable day in, day out for their former teams the last couple years on both ends of the floor, we as Sixers fans have no cause for concern as it relates to their possible “fit”, and both should transition into the rotation seamlessly.
However, the moment from the introductory press conference which generated some buzz came from the mouth of Tobias Harris. Once again, we as Sixers fans had to deal with Ben Simmons’ jump shot related content, only this time it was legitimately promising. After playing each other in a recent game of 1 on 1, Harris admitted he was forced to guard the 3pt line after Ben drained two straight from beyond the arc. Call me overly optimistic, but concrete testimony from the voice of a teammate is at least some evidence that Ben Simmons is serious about implementing a jumper into an NBA game at some point in the near future. At this stage, I think all Sixers fans know it goes without saying, if he unlocks a respectable jump shot the sky is the limit.
Just a reminder that yes, Kyle Korver is still out there and has interest in a reunion with the city of brotherly love. Here’s a real opportunity to address a weakness, need I say more?
Summer League Was a Success
Purely from a results-based standpoint, of course, you would like to see a record better than 2-3, but summer league has no bearing on crowning the NBA Champion! Instead, this annual week in Las Vegas will always be defined by the growth and development of young talent, particularly rookies. In the case of our Sixers, we definitely witnessed some positive signs from our 2 most recent draft picks, in Matisse Thybulle and Marial Shayok.
I’ll be the first to admit, I did not see 46% (23-50) shooting accompanied by 14.5 PPG in less than 21 minutes per game from Marial Shayok. In all honesty, Shayok was quite the revelation, and it’ll be interesting to see if his role this year ever truly extends beyond his current two-way status. If he replicates his 40% (8-20) from the 3pt line, I can certainly see him inking a new deal at some point.
Matisse Thybulle had to deal with some expectations from Sixers fans as soon as Elton Brand drafted him at 20 on June 20th. Through five showings in Vegas, Matisse showed why he warranted Elton’s trade up. Now 43% (18-42) may not be the most impressive, but nearly 12 PPG to go along with 2 steals and over 1 block per game should make fans happy. Arguably most impressively, is the fact he went 11 for 28 from three, nearly a 40% clip at 39.2%.
Thybulle’s willingness the shoot the 3, let alone efficiency for a guy whose only draft day red flag was his shot, is extremely encouraging. Over the course of the upcoming season, I truly hope Matisse is utilized as an integral piece off the bench.
Featured Image: Paul Hudrick/nbcsports.com
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Categorized:Sixers