Top Three Takeaways from the Sixers’ Preseason Opener, Other Than Ben Simmons Shooting a Three Pointer
The Sixers just finished the opening game of their 2019 preseason slate, defeating the Guangzhou Long-Lions 144-86. Although it wasn’t against NBA competition, this season’s new-look squad flashed some really promising signs.
In limited minutes, the starting 5 took care of business. The bench also showcased some encouraging signs. All in all, the Sixers did what one would expect and handily defeated a non-NBA opponent, but some players stole the show.
Trey Burke Can Flat-Out Score
The relatively late offseason addition of Trey Burke seems to fly under the radar, but after his Sixers debut, fans should realize how impactful he will be in his role coming off the bench. In just over 14 minutes, Burke scored 11 points, going 4-7 from the floor (2-3 beyond the arc). Seen as a scorer his entire career, Burke clearly put his offensive prowess on display in Sixers’ debut. Many forget his career-high 42-point performance from 2018 as a Knick, and his preseason Sixers’ debut will hopefully serve as a microcosm of the key role he’ll serve as a “bench bucket-getter” moving forward.
Josh Richardson is a Baller
GM Elton Brand worked his magic during the 2019 Free Agency period, and his best move may go down as acquiring Josh Richardson from the Miami Heat via the Jimmy Butler sign-and-trade. Watching Richardson make his Sixers’ debut was a welcomed breath of fresh air. His tenacity and quickness on both ends of the floor is something fans really haven’t seen much of in recent years outside of Ben Simmons and the since-departed Robert Covington. Going 6-9 from the floor (3-5 from three) in a 16-point effort, Josh Richardson’s impact was quite evident. At this point, he’s made his defensive ability well-known (evidenced in part by two steals in his debut), but if he can maintain a similar level of offensive production, he’ll be one of the best secondary scoring options around the league.
Ben Simmons Proved He Has a Shot
The no-doubt highlight of the game came when Ben Simmons made his first 3-pointer to conclude the 1st half. Everyone watching could sense a 3pt attempt was coming as soon as he temporarily eased up his dribble for a few seconds. Seeing the ball leave his hand behind the line and subsequently touch nothing but net generated a feeling of elation that fans haven’t experienced in quite some time.
Yes, it was his lone 3pt attempt of the game – and in the preseason, nonetheless – but this milestone serves as a crucial confidence builder regardless. Ben knows what he’s capable of, and he has the rest of the preseason to refine and develop this addition to his game.
If he can consistently make a three or two per game, his job will be a heck of a lot easier on the offensive end, let alone for all four teammates at any given time on the floor.
Featured Image: via Twitter (@Sixers)
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