[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

So the 76ers went down to the wire with the defending champions last night, and it was in part lead by the season high in points by Joel Embiid

He had some down right amazing blocks throughout the game, one on LeBron in particular that made several jaws drop, he even went back and forth with Kyrie Irving 

All in all it was another tantalizing game from Jojo Embiid, though it was not without moments of shear terror for us in attendance, he looked a little funny on few occasions from a physical standpoint, he had to be taken to the locker room at one point and some of us feared the worst, my daughter hilariously commented that "He’s just changing his sneakers!" And when he came running out of the tunnel with a new pair of shoes on she hit another "what are those!" For good measure, we all rejoiced as he checked back into the game and hit a 3 point shot late in the game, still it felt a little funny, he didn’t seem to have his footing out there and to add to our horror he rolled his ankle and Robert Covington’s clumsy ass fell into his knee as well

Dario Saric is clearly adjusting to the NBA, he’s a naturally physical player and was called for 2 fouls early in the game and another quickly after he checked in, still he played well enough after he settled down in the 2nd half, having Ersan Ilyasova was a godsend last night, he hit big shots early to keep us close enough to make our own runs, I’d argue he deserves to start in place of Saric, Dario could learn to play off the bench, especially if Simmons is envisioned as a PF

The devolopement of Saric is one I’m very interested in, I think he’s the perfect 6th Man type, he can almost run the offense for a 2nd Unit, he’s so versatile yet limited physically, he’s a little slow footed from my POV, still he and Simmons would be a dynamic duo at PF

At this point I come to Jahlil Okafor, he’s still not in the best shape yet, he looked a little rusty and I think he’s regressing on offense, that or he’s just hesitating on what to do because he’s still hobbled physically, with all that said he had his best game of the year and actually played great defense on a few possessions, and he can literally score in his sleep in the paint (when he’s not getting his shot stuffed in his face lol) He’s a guy that could be best served to play off the bench in a Enes Kanter/Al Jefferson in his prime capacity, I’m not saying that’d his ceiling, just that he’s be a great guy to have come off the bench and get your team some piints, you just have to cover up some of his flaws on defense…Still I give him a B- for last night…

Stauskas hit a 3 Pointer late and made a few decent plays here and there but I question if he’s a lost cause on defense or just a guy that needs the Green Light from three and you just live with him giving up some points every other way down the court, jury’s out on Nik for now…

All in all I still stand by the process, it’s just a very long and painful one, on paper this is just another loss in a 0-5 campaign, I saw progress and with Simmons plus a few prospects in 2017 this could all be worth it, depending on where we land in the Draft (Let’s say 2 and 8 respectively, I think the Lakers are improved but not yet ready to take the next step, I think they’ll fall in that 7-13 draft Range and have to forfeit their pick to Philadelphia barring them winning a top 3 spot  in the lottery)

Put Simmons at PF with a prospect like Jackson or Tatu at SF and a PG like Smith Jr./Fultz/Ball/Fox and this becomes a very interesting team going forward, and it’s looking more and more likely well have a Top 3 pick and the Lakers will have improved too much, and have to hand over their 2017 Draft Pick…I’m looking forward to the Lottery already, SMH but It could all be worth it…Trust the Process guys…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[EndlessknightParticipant]

If this team was healthy they would be .500.

Embiid has actually been better than I thought he would be. He went 4-4 for 3 last night with 4 blocks. Amazing for a guy playing of 2 years of rust.

[binetParticipant]

 Saric needs to adapt to the NBA, but I think he is just a great fit with the sixers and how they are shaping up so far. As a young euro guy, he should develop way more physically than the regular american guy, just as every other euro prospect. In two years he should be way more in shape and rebound better. His versatile stretch 4 + passer skillset is just perfect alongside Embiid. As a team first guy on offense, I feel he is meant to be a nàon primary scorer in the starting lineup.

He has been very good for a rookie so far yet still seem to have to adapt to the pace of the NBA, the american culture/english language (good enough certainly so far but like with most euros communication improvements will happen and counts). He impressed me enough to think he deserves a starting spot in the NBA. He certainly is not a sure bet all star like Embiid but is among the 2 or 3 best sixers so far as a rookie: that’s starting caliber.

Simmons should end up playing PG or on the wing eventually. The Grant-Ilyasova trade tells a lot in that regard, and it seemed pretty clear in Brett Brown’s mind that he wanted both Simmons and Saric in the court together most of the time. Everybody dreams of Magic 2.0, and Philly will try it as much as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[markfitz14Participant]

Emid looks like a veteran knocking rust off. It is crazy hw good he is already being a rookie. I hope to see Simmons come back after xmas and play some of the year with Embid.

[Bankroll PJParticipant]

 I’m excited for the future of the Sixers, as they have 2 guys with superstar potential in Simmons and Embid. Simmons has yet to be seen, but I think he’ll be special and call me crazy but I think Embid is already a top 3 center in the league with KAT and Cousins. Once his health allows him to play big minutes, he’ll be scary good.  Throw in a PG and a wing player from the draft next year and this team has a very nice blueprint for future success, health pending.  

[HitsterParticipant]

 Embiid has looked awesome this season on limited minutes and after over 2 years out. Saric has looked solid so far, at first I assumed he would be a 6th man but he has looked a nice fit at PF and has probably made Noel expendable. I think they are still looking to use Simmons as a point forward playing nominally in SF role going forward. If they saw Saric as the 6th man, why not bed him in that role from day one.

Ersan has been playing some good ball so far and gives them a good veteran to have on court with the young guys.

Initially this season I had Philly down to start Simmons at 3, Noel and the Oak frontcourt with Embiid and Saric from the bench, that has now been blown up.

Noel is still only 22 years old and athletic defensive big men like him will always be in demand but Philly are unlikely to trade him whilst his value is low and until he returns no deal can really be done. But with him now being in final year of his rookie deal, once past deadline day they would have to either let him walk or resign or match any offers for him. To let a high draft pick go for nothing would be a bad business move even if they are taking an effective loss on him, 

Toronto have been mentioned as being interested in Noel and have two likely first rounders next year so there is a possible deal there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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