The Sixers lost to the Celtics in their opener but they see a long playoff run in their future, Tim Bontemps of ESPN writes. They believe they have more talent around superstar Joel Embiid than ever before, due to the front office’s moves this offseason.
“There’s no weak links around the horn,” said P.J. Tucker, the Sixers’ top free agent acquisition. “You want to [pick on] somebody? Go ahead. We got everybody.”
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- Due to Robert Williams‘ knee issues, Noah Vonleh has become a key member of the Celtics‘ frontcourt for the time being. As Jay King of The Athletic notes, Vonleh is just six months removed from a stint in China. The opportunity to play in the NBA again has made Vonleh more appreciative of his current status. “It made me even hungrier,” he said. “I feel like I’ve got a pretty good work ethic, but being out of there I was just wondering why and questioning certain things. But it just made me more motivated and made me work a lot harder.” Vonleh has a one-year, non-guaranteed veteran’s minimum contract with Boston.
- The stat line for Ben Simmons in his return to action after a season off was unimpressive. He posted four points, five rebounds and five assists before fouling out in 23 minutes. Nets head coach Steve Nash attributes that performance to the long layoff, Nick Friedell of ESPN tweets. “I just think he’s rusty. The guy hasn’t played in over a year,” Nash said. “He’s still getting used to referees, defense, offense. This is a process for Ben … He’s shown obviously glimpses of the player we know he is and can be, but it’s not easy. We’re here to support him.”
- Kevin Durant‘s trade request during the summer turned out to be a test and Kyrie Irving believes the Nets are better for it, he told Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. “When Kev made that request, I feel like we got better,” Irving said. “Afterwards. Not initially, but now where we are now, I feel like we can honestly say we got better, with the principles that are needed for success. Without going through some test in the summertime or during the season, we wouldn’t be able to be as close and bonded as we are now.”
They got smoked by the Pelicans on their home court in Zion’s 1st game back in over a season. He just bullied Simmons down low.
Let’s see how close and bonded Nets are if they have a losing record after 10 or 15 games.
Nets are amusing as always.
Not a good look by Brooklyn to open the season. Whew! Are they gonna guard anybody???
Ben Simmons remains a hot mess. Doesn’t look comfortable playing basketball. Brooklyn cannot have a successful season without Ben being some type of impact player. 18-year-old Jalen Duren scored 14 points, grabbed 10 boards and blocked 3 shots in 22 minutes for Detroit. Ben?????
Brooklyn has as much talent as any team in the league. Not a good look to open.
I know you had them as one of the top two teams in the east.
Where are they on your secret power rankings now?
Pelicans (hate saying it), could get into top 4 this yr. Zion stays healthy. This is a good team still improving. All three stars had nice gms. Ingram (28 pts, 7 reb , 5 ast). ), Zion (25 pts, 9 reb, 3 ast), CJ (21 pts, 4 reb, 6 ast). An away gm in Bklyn. Plus Valanciunas (15 pts, 13 reb.
Pelicans showed they can be very good. Team to watch this yr. Nets need time and commitment. If they are down for it. They can develop for the second half. Plenty talent here.
Sixers got rocked. Losing to Bucks in 4th Q now.
If its the real Harden this yr. Sixers are going to contend. Imo they have to use and go thru Tobias more. He’s more than capable of being a #3. You have to use him in the offense. Harden could and should lead the L in ast. Then Sixers will be real good.
When are GMS going to realize that you’re not going to win a championship if your best player is a center. Watched both sixers games and every time embiid is in the game. There is 0 ball movement, and he demands the ball almost every possession(while everybody just watches). Hardens is best when he has a rolling big man(capela).
Sixers are 0-2. Too many new pieces to gel yet I hope.
Like last year Embiid is not having a good start so far… hopefully he will turn it on as great as he did last season!
Sixers are 0-2 but in fairness have gone up against really tough opponents with a bunch of new guys. Firstly the Celtics away after they just went to the finals. Tough loss and really it came down to the bench’s and Brogdan and Grant Williams were exceptional and our guys struggled. Then against the Bucks, again a very good team and we should’ve won considering they didn’t have Kris Middleton. Jrue Holiday struggled, Grayson Allen was missing shots, but Embiid had a poor night.
It’ll be alright, still got players getting use to playing together and stuff and easier games will come and it’ll build from there. However the one thing already which is a little con warning is the lack of threes being made.
Harden is 6/16, Embiid is 0/5, Maxey is 2/8, Tobias is 4/10 which is good but he’s not getting many attempts per game. I really like him but I don’t think he suits that role of being a 4th scoring option and spacing the floor more as a catch and shoot guy.
That does worry me a little and yes we have Melton, House and Niang off the bench but there’s not a go to lights out shooter there.
That’s why I would’ve preferred them to trade Tobias in the offseason for 2 guys one of which would be a shooter and the other just a decent role player.
Target like a Buddy Heild, Eric Gordon, Bojan, McDermott type guy.
Wont happen now cause the seasons started and they won’t jump the gun this early they will want to settle, just hope the shooters improve
Clock is ticking for when they fire Steve Nash. That’s Nets team is in shambles
Sixers aren’t deep enough to contend
Deep? No, they are deep enough. Question is if Embiid-Harden will be consistent enough as a 1-2 punch and if one of Maxey or Tobi can really step up.