Scoring Breakdown for 2019-20: Who Do the Sixers Go to in Closing Moments?
As many have seen, The current Sixers roster lacks the clutch gene that is now one of the most coveted things in an NBA player. Jimmy Butler was the go-to for crunch time and the entire team and fans knew it.
Jimmy didn’t disappoint when given the opportunities throughout the season. With the departure of Butler and late-game mishaps from Embiid, it is clear that the team is searching for a leader in crunch time, but when breaking down the options, the clear answers may not be as clear as once assumed.
Ben Simmons
It’s clear that Ben will not be taking the game-winning shot on a one-on-one iso play, but there is a good chance he will be involved heavily in closing minutes. Ben as the primary ball-handler is likely going to be the outcome in closing minutes. Either there will be a draw up where Ben runs around screens and can get an open look at the basket for a layup, or he will likely be as close to the basket as possible to draw attention. Regardless if the game is on the line, Simmons will be on the court.
Josh Richardson
Josh Richardson may surprise people with his ability to shoot the 3. If the team can space the floor, although JRich has a poor clutch %, there is a good chance teams will forget about him with Ben and Joel on the floor. A corner 3, pass out of a pick and roll, or even driving to the basket, Richardson will likely be the 4th or 5th option when looking at who to give the ball to, but with other players getting most of the focus, if Richardson is on the court, he can be trusted.
Tobias Harris
This is where it gets interesting. Harris may become the Sixers new closer. His skill set puts him as a top shooter in the league with stats to prove it. He can get off a shot quick, get to the basket, and with such a big body, Tobias can create a mismatch for any defense and can finish at the basket efficiently. With a lack of 3pt shooting as a whole, it seems as though Harris may emerge as the Sixers top scorer if Ben can develop a consistent mid-range shot which would force defenses to guard him. Tobias just signed a max extension and is a part of the core for years to come. A core that does not have a closer. If he can develop into this role slowly over the season, by playoffs he will be able to have the team and fans’ trust to be able to hit the big shots.
It takes a lot to be able to develop a clutch gene. Most of the time either a player has it or doesn’t. But with this new opportunity, Tobias will now get to showcase his ability to take control with Butler in Miami. Harris will likely be either the 2nd or 3rd option during crunch time to start the season but will possibly become the go-to guy.
Al Horford
Horford is a pro’s pro. Any Sixers fan knows that Al is the main reason the Sixers could never close against the Celtics where the games more often than not lead to Embiid turning the ball over, taking a bad shot, or being careless. As somebody who has been around the game so long and can truly lead a team, it is hard to see Horford not being the teams closer to start the season. He has the experience, skillset, and provides spacing with his ability to shoot. Al knows when and how to make the right plays in closing moments which is the biggest problem the Sixers had before Jimmy Butler.
The game is slowed down for Horford. He has one of the highest basketball IQ’s in the league and with superstars by his side, he is likely to draw one of the worst defenders that the opposing team has to offer. To start the season Horford may be the guy the team leans on. Even if it does not mean scoring, Al knows how to make plays happen.
Joel Embiid
The heart, soul, and face of the team. Embiid is the most dominant center in the league. He is an amazing player but for some reason, when it is crunch time, Embiid fails to make the right decisions. This can be confirmed by both Embiid and everybody else realizing that he is the best player on the team and this is his team. The only problem with that is that Joel wants to put the team on his back during closing moments and do everything he can to provide a win for the team, unfortunately, the opponents have the same thoughts and know what to expect.
Is it the pressure? Is it the defense?
Whatever it is, it stops Joel from being the dominant force the league knows him to be, and almost makes him a liability with his dedication to score when his team needs it the most. As a fan or teammate, it is impossible to hate on Embiid for what he is doing, but a player of that magnitude will draw attention regardless if he does or does not have the ball, and that alone can create a great opportunity for a teammate to score. Using Embiid as a decoy would do the team justice this year because every coach knows that you cannot let him slip open for even a split second or you’ll pay for it.
Mike Scott
If Richardson is not on the floor or any of the starters, Mike Scott will likely be the only other player who can close out the game. Scott is a sniper from the corner, has hit go-ahead shots before, and has the cold-blooded mindset that Kobe Bryant had when it comes to situational basketball. Scott can hit corner 3s and pop off screens which make him a very useful weapon in closing minutes. His ability to play the 3-5 positions creates great versatility and could really through defenses off if needed. Although it is unlikely that Scott will emerge as the closer as the season progresses, it is not impossible or shocking if he gets the opportunity to showcase his ability to score in crunch time.
The team has many players who can take over during any minute or situation in the game, but having a player that can close out games is what separates the good teams from the great teams.
With championship expectations this year, the Sixers need a closer, and they need to find one sooner than later. If they can find a player that can handle the role, this may be the start to something special for years to come for Philly.
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