[rvan14Participant]

 I’ve been seeing that Philly and Cleveland are talking about sending Kyle Korver back to the Sixers. Jerryd Bayless would be going to Cleveland along with some sort of sweetner. I like this for Philly. Their bench desperately needs more shooting. 

[zcnumerounoParticipant]

I like it too. It makes sense for both sides, as the Cavs should embrace the rebuild.

As for the Sixers, they need shooting more than about any other team in the league, IMO. We all know how talented Ben Simmons is, but he was effectively taken out of the series by Brad Stevens, who was daring him to shoot. He and Embiid really need 3 good floor spacers around them at all times.

It also helps that Korver was such a fan favorite in Philly.

[mowestenParticipant]

 Love it for Philly, Korver is a perfect fit … Korver has always been a plus role player. He’s a guy who can be a meaningful piece of a championship caliber team.

 

[cohenbc1Participant]

I thought the Sixers had taken a small but real step back by letting both Belli and Ilyasova walk — their bench was pretty much devoid of shooting after that. But if they add Korver, along with Muscala, they are right back to where they were. 

Redick and Korver can probably never play together, but the Sixers can have one flat-out sniper on court at all times now. At times they could even hit opposing benches with a five-shooter lineup of McConnell, Redick/Korver, Covington, Saric and Muscala. Against bad teams, that could blow games open in a hurry.

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Korver despite being 37 is still an elite shooter and would be a great play spreading option for the 76ers. Plus his experience and being a class act is a good locker room veteran presence and the likes of him and JJ Reddick can help the likes of Fultz and Simmons with their shooting.

The sweetner if any sent by Philly may be limited as Korver has two years on his deal compared to one for Bayless so the Cavs save salary money next year and get an expiring deal.

Also Korver could well end his career back on his first team where he was part of the AI era.

 

 

[BeastMode716Participant]

 Great move for the Sixers. But I am puzzled by some in the National Media saying they expect Phila to take "a step back" 

I believe that is more wishful thinking than reality. 

Bellineli & Ilyasova were nice pick ups for the Sixers late last year but I like their replacements more actually. Wilson Chandler is a bigger, much more athletic Wing than Bellineli – Belinelli is the better 3pt shooter (38% vs 36% last season & 37% vs 35% career avg) but Belinelli is a major definsive liability that Boston exploited mercilessly – Both men are about the same age 31 / 32

ANd I like Muscala in Ilyasova’s spot as the back up PF/C – Muscala is 5 years young at 27 & like Chandler is bigger & more athletic than his predecessor. Muscala is a better 3pt shooter (37% vs 36%) over Ilyasova as well. 

Phila resigned JJ Reddick (42% 3pt fg% last season) & they still have Robert Covington (37% 3pt fg%last year) & Dario Saric (40% 3pt fg% last year) – So yes Korver would be a very nice addition but Phila has a lot of 3pt shooting already. 

The main point is Phila Starting 5 – which last year was the #1 starting unit in the NBA according to Analytics was playing together for the FIRST time last year & by the end of the year they were absolutely Destroying just about everyone they played

It was their Bench that was Phila’s glaring weakness & Belinelli & Ilyasova & the return of Markelle Fultz significantly strengthened that over the final 20 or so games last year. 

Reports coming out of LA is that Fultz looks fantastic & the additions of Muscala & Chandler are at least close to, just as good or slightly better than Belinelli & Ilyasova – my point is it’s Very comparable & the Sixers will have that from Game 1 next season instead of waiting until game 60 to address the bench like last season. 

In addition, the Starting unit that has now played together for a full year & featuring 3 young studs – Saric, Embiid & Simmons – will improve exponentially in their 2nd year playing as a Unit. Simmons & Embiid will grow a little more into the Super Stars they will become in a few years & Phila has expectations that Fultz will join the startung unit at some point which puts JJ Reddick on that 2nd Unit. And the addition of 1st round pick Z Smith will also strengthen that 2nd Unit. 

Last season Phila was Very thin at Wing & Guard in their rotation. The Starting 5 was a killer unit but once teams got into their bench Phila struggled until they fixed it late in the season. This year from day one they have significantly addressed all the weaknesses they had on a 52 win team. This Sixers team could win 55+ games 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Sewok15Participant]

 I completely agree. The Celtics are the favorites in the East but to just dismiss the Sixers is ridiculous. Fultz is really the X-factor…if he can fix that shot and start over JJ they will be a good matchup for Boston. 

Kyrie makes Boston better offensively but defensively he is a minus. He also takes touches away from Tatum, Horford and Brown. Adding Hayward to the mix will be interesting for a ball dominant player like Kyrie…especially considering Tatum and Brown are due to want to expand their roles. 

The Sixers wings got exposed as Boston just ran their offense through whoever Marco or JJ were guarding. If the Sixers individually defend the perimeter better which they should with these changes they can beat Boston. Kyrie can get you 25 any night which can be big in a playoff series but the team seems more cohesive without him on the floor. 

I think Boston and Philly are much closer than people think and will be an incredible rivalry for the next decade. Brad Stevens seems to be one of the major advantages Boston has so hopefully Brett Brown steps up his playoff coaching in his 2nd try. 

[Celtics3178Participant]

Korver and JJ can shoot but can’t defend if there life’s depended on it. 

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