The 2019-20 Sixers Could Form an All-Time Great Defense
“We will end up playing smash-mouth offense and bully ball defense”
In the era of three-point shooting and transition dunks, Brett Brown and the Philadelphia 76ers will turn back the clock to a model focused on grit and defense this season.
Throughout Brown’s tenure in Philadelphia, he has emphasized defense and followed the successful model of his mentor, San Antonio Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich. While he may not have Popovich’s unique reputation among the media, Brown certainly has channeled Pop’s charisma, approach, and focus on defense.
Coach Popovich has built a dynasty in San Antonio known for playing the game properly and with attention to defense. During the Spurs five NBA championships seasons, four of which were with Brett Brown on the staff, they did not finish lower than 3rd in defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) and fourth in opponent effective field goal percentage. These are the statistics that Brett Brown and his staff will be monitoring closely as the Sixers prepare to begin their season on October 23rd.
Aside from the obvious importance of defense, the blue-collar attitude associated with it fits Philadelphia perfectly. Sixers fans have already fallen in love with rookie Matisse Thybulle, who has shown a true knack for getting his hands on passes. Philadelphia has long had a tradition of loving players who get after it on defense – from Dikembe Mutombo to Robert Covington – and it seems Thybulle may continue this custom.
But this year’s team will be even more reliant on the defensive end due to its plethora of unproven shooters.
The phrase “defense wins championships” has diminished in meaning with the influx of shooting and scoring. Some even say that without a three-point shooting, teams cannot compete with the likes of the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets.
But Sixers fans need not worry. There is little evidence to show that defense does not win championships. While in order to win, a balance must be sought between the offensive and defensive ends, no NBA champions are lackluster on defense.
Of the past 20 NBA champions, 18 have ranked inside the top-ten in defensive rating, with exceptions being the 2018 Warriors and 2001 Lakers. And, surprisingly, this is an area that the Sixers can greatly improve upon.
Last season, the team was 15th in defensive rating and every night it seems as though an opposing guard was extremely successful against the porous pick and roll defense played by the group.
This season will assuredly be different. Already this preseason the Sixers carry a defensive rating of 86.7 (third in the NBA) and despite poor competition, this is evidence of improvement. No team in the NBA has a longer starting five than the Sixers and with two of the best pick and roll defenders in the league joining Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, the team should greatly improve defending opposing guards.
While threes may not be raining in the Wells Fargo Center, the defense is something that can and should be a constant source of excitement for Sixers fans if they choose to appreciate it. Watch for Josh Richardson and Matisse Thybulle getting in passing lanes and helping Ben Simmons lead fast breaks. Get ready for more amazing Joel Embiid blocks. And respect Al Horford’s under the radar positional defense.
Each player in this starting lineup brings a unique defensive skill that if united, can create one of the most devastating defensive units in 76ers history.
Featured Image: SLAM Brett Brown and Coach Popovich Image: Fast Philly Sports
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Categorized:Sixers