The Sixers are near the top of our Reverse Standings, owning a record of 28-52. The team is optimistic that it can climb the real NBA standings next season and Joel Embiid is a major reason why there’s hope, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes.
“The thing I get most excited about with Joel is he has such a long ways to go,” coach Brett Brown said. “He is just scratching the surface of what ultimately he’s going to be.”
Embiid remains out as he recovers from knee surgery, but the organization expects him to resume basketball activities this summer.
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- The Raptors are still working to incorporate all their new players, Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun details. The scribe notes that Kyle Lowry, who recently returned to the lineup following a wrist injury, hasn’t yet found a comfort level with new addition Serge Ibaka.
- Coach Jeff Hornacek admits that the all-in switch to the triangle mid-season may not have been the best move for the Knicks, Al Iannazzone of Newsday relays. “It shouldn’t have been that big of a deal,” Hornacek said. “But from the players’ side they probably thought it was too big a change. We’ll figure what’s best for us, what everybody wants to do and try to go from day one and leave it like that.”
- If the Celtics are going to make a deep postseason run, they must rediscover their 3-point shot, A. Sherrod Blakely of Comcast Sportsnet argues. Marcus Smart, who will be eligible for a rookie extension this offseason, is among the team’s bench players who have struggled from behind the arc since the All-Star break.
I love Smart but if he still can’t shoot midway through next year, I wouldn’t pay him. Sign Hayward this year to add another scoring option to take pressure off Thomas, and then you can maybe make a play for Butler if he becomes available, but the cap would be tight at that point. If not, you can contend now, and in the future if Brown and the next couple Nets picks pan out. If they add Hayward I think other guys may be willing to play the bench for cheap which would really make Boston a strong contender. They have plenty of future assets they could spend on guys at the deadline if need be too.
Hayward can make more money and get another year staying in Utah. Also if they get Hayward, what does that mean for Crowder who is on one of the best deals in the league and plays the same position as Hayward. Also if they sign Hayward to a max then there is no way they can retain IT, Bradley and Smart next summer. Probably could only keep one of them, because of Horfords contract. Not sure how signing Hayward helps them improve in the long run. He’s a very good player, but do you think he is worth 20+ million per year more than Crowder?
What guys are you referring to that will play the bench for cheap? (Not being a dick, legit curios)
I’d be more optimistic about the 6ers if Embiid wasn’t averaging 10 games a season.even on a minute restriction schedule,he couldn’t make 50 games.at this point,he’s played less than Greg Oden did at similar points in their careers.
right now Saric,Covington and McConnell are the most proven players acquired after 4 years of losing as much as possible.at this point,im keeping my fingers crossed that our next lottery pick actually plays when the games count.im tired of the day of the lottery and draft day being the best days of every year for this team.
Seems like Sixers need Ben Simmons to play in Summer League to see if he is part of the process for 2018