There Is No Need to Break up the Sixers’ Starting Lineup
With the upcoming February 6th NBA Trade Deadline less than a month away, speculation will only continue to brew.
The preseason dream of homecourt beyond the 1st round of the playoffs is seemingly farfetched at the moment, but it’s not time to blow everything up. Yes, Al Horford has been the subject of warranted concerns lately in terms of offensive output/fit while the starting 5 as a whole has outwardly struggled to be consistent so far. However, even though these recent difficulties, it’s important not to lose sight of the end goal for this season – a championship – and maximizing this team’s chances of achieving that goal.
Through all of the frustration, the Sixers are 4-2 against the top 3 teams in the East (Bucks, Celtics, Heat). This success against other contenders has been in large part due to defense. Sure, the Sixers caught fire beyond the arc in a few of those wins, but it’s Al Horford’s ability to contain a guy like reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo that will be a difference-maker in determining games in late May/early June. The defense is this team’s identity, and fans have to realize what this team would be sacrificing in order to acquire a guy like Bradley Beal or CJ McCollum.
Last season, the Sixers were in search of shot creators and other scoring options to complement Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Acquiring Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris in-season were thought to be the difference makers which ultimately would put that team over the hump. During those playoffs, lineup chemistry and cohesion were blatantly an issue, and everyone knows how that playoff run ended. Elton Brand has the exact tape of what could easily happen if he were to make a similar in-season, blockbuster acquisition. He did his due-diligence this offseason, and fans need to buy into the current starting 5. No one in this city will be willing to accept another early playoff exit with a hypothetical May lineup “which has only played x games together”.
For the most part, the pieces are in place for this team to make some noise starting mid-April. Where this team must improve is bench firepower.
The lone “untouchable” guy currently off the bench should be Matisse Thybulle, and Elton Brand’s focus needs to be adding pieces such as a reliable stretch big and combo guard with defensive prowess.
Although this current Sixers era is seemingly posted “The Process” roster(s), fans need to trust in GM Elton Brand’s process now more than ever. He’ll almost certainly make some sort of moves before the February 6 deadline, hopefully without altering the current starting lineup.
With fewer than 40 regular-season games to go, the onus falls on this lineup to right the inconsistency ship, continue developing chemistry, and heed each other’s and Brett Brown’s advice in order to experience postseason success.
Featured Image: Kim Klement/USA Today Sports
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Categorized:Sixers