Training Camp Trends – Part II: The Bench
With the Philadelphia 76ers’ training camp set to open up on October 1st, it is time to take a deeper look into storylines to watch from the Sixers practice facility in Camden. After discussing Joel Embiid’s body and health last week, it is time to investigate the bench.
General Manager Elton Brand has brought back wings Mike Scott and James Ennis as the team’s core bench pieces. But who is going to help fill out the remaining rotation? We have seen Brett Brown dive deep into the bench at times and there is no doubt that injuries will arise.
So when training camp opens, it will be important for Sixers fans to watch who is playing in team scrimmages and how the younger players look. Who is going to step up and take a more important role on this team? Let’s look at some candidates.
Zhaire Smith
After a season riddled with injuries, Smith is set to start his second year healthy and with a desire to help this team. He eagerly competed in the NBA Summer League this past summer and showed off his incredible athleticism and developing a jump shot.
It is evident that Smith has all the physical tools to be the first guard off the bench. He is extremely long and defends very well, a trait Brett Brown covets. What he can show in training camp is consistency. When watching team scrimmages and preseason games, it will be imperative to see if Smith is a consistent presence on both ends.
At times during the Summer League, it was clear he was not as comfortable on the offensive end, with no singular move or style to turn to when in doubt. If he can show that he is a skilled cutter and is improving from the perimeter, he will immediately step into the third man off of the bench role.
Trey Burke
In what was an extremely underrated signing, Elton Brand brought in the former Michigan point guard to help round out his bench. Burke has been around the block in the NBA, but has already become a fan favorite on twitter here in Philadelphia.
Burke is a fantastic scorer who can do it in a variety of ways. On a bench that is primarily defensive-minded, Burke should be able to be an offensive spark, as well as a stark contrast to Ben Simmons’ style of play at the point guard position.
So in training camp, it will be interesting to watch how Brown chooses to use Burke. Will he be slotted at the backup point, or will Raul Neto get those reps? Will he play within himself or will he take too many bad shots, as he has done at times in the past? If he can be smart about the shots he takes and show that he is not a liability on the defensive end during camp, he has a chance to assume the backup point guard role.
Furkan Korkmaz
This season is made or break for Korkmaz. After appearing in 48 games sparingly this past season, this is likely his last chance to prove his value to Brett Brown and the Sixers.
It was a bit of a surprise to see Korkmaz return to the NBA this season after reports swirled regarding his potential departure to Europe. But he is back and, with his skill set, he should get an opportunity.
The one thing that this team is lacking is outside shooting. Besides Tobias Harris, the Sixers do not really have any players who are perimeter-focused. And that is an area that Korkmaz may be able to excel. If he can reliably shoot the three off of the bench and show that he is not too much of a liability on defense, there is a role for him in the bench rotation.
It will be important to see how Korkmaz has developed his body during this offseason. Upon the start of camp, it will be evident if he has bulked up and improved his quickness for the defensive end. Watch for him to be a spot-up shooter in lineups with Ben Simmons, who can get him the ball in space. The organization has invested a significant amount of time into Korkmaz so it is likely he is given one more big opportunity this season.
As crunch time comes around next April, reliable bench scoring and production will be key in helping the Sixers try to win an NBA title. Sixers fans should keep an eye on all of the young talents on this team, but these three players specifically will have the opportunity to earn big-time bench minutes if they can prove they are ready during training camp.
Featured Image: NBC Sports
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