The Title Window is Wide Open for the Sixers Big 3
Coming into the 2020-2021 campaign, many were wondering if the trio of Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Tobias Harris had a championship ceiling or not. Ben Simmons still refused to shoot. Joel Embiid couldn’t take over games and carry the weight. Tobias Harris was one of the worst contracts in the league. These were the narratives being tossed around and when you look at what they had accomplished on the court the concerns were justified.
Throughout the 2019-2020 season, the Embiid, Simmons, and Harris trio compiled a NETRTG of +1.5 (103.2 OFFRTG and 102.2 DEFRTG) under Brett Brown. Those numbers indicate a trio that lacks the chemistry and ability to compete with the contenders in the league. Throw in a 26-15 record and you’d find yourself feeling pretty pessimistic about our “Big 3.”
However, flash forward to 21 games into the season and the Sixers are at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 15-6 record and legitimate title aspiration thanks in large part to that same Big 3. Under the guidance of Doc Rivers, the trio has generated a +14.3 NETRTG (119.7 OFFRTG and 105.4 DEFRTG) which is good for a 14-1 record. It is simply remarkable to look at how far Embiid, Simmons, and Harris have come in such a short time and how well they are meshing on the court.
Being surrounded by the right pieces and settling into their respective roles have done wonders for the trio. Joel Embiid, who came into this season in the best shape of his life, is an MVP favorite who is ready to carry the weight. Ben Simmons, albeit still not shooting, is thriving in his role on offense as an elite facilitator with lethal court vision. Finally, Tobias Harris is enjoying a rebirth of sorts and is playing at an All-Star level in large part to moving back to his natural position at PF and through getting some of his quick decision making back.
Doc Rivers has elevated the status of this team from being a threat in the playoffs to title contenders by sticking with the Big 3 and playing to their strengths. Much has been made about acquiring another star to plug into the lineup but this team is a well-oiled machine and is ready to make noise. Daryl Morey recently told Stephen A. Smith that the Sixers are in championship or bust mode. I have no problem with that assessment because our Big 3 of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris have just opened their title window.
Photo: Yom Kim/Philly Inquirer
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Categorized:Sixers