2018-19 Sixers Season

[VoteForKalas]

6-0 at home

0-5 on the road

Brown, after the embarrassing loss to the Nets, finally spoke truth about the team's performance so far and that they have a lot of work to do to achieve what they want. We'll see if they can find their way.

[xogfog]

Reports are coming out that the Sixers have traded Covington and Saric for Jimmy Butler, who will sign an extension.

Update, Butler and Justin Patton for Saric, Covington and a 2022 2nd round pick.

And it looks like Bayless is in the deal as well as salary ballast.

[Squire]

I love Saric but that's a deal you have to make. Like it

[bigegypt0417]

I love Saric but that's a deal you have to make. Like it

Also moved bayless...

It's a move you have to make

[bkeich]

I too really like Saric but yes, that is a deal you have to doing Butler has signed an extension.

That might make the Sixers the team to beat in the East.

Saric was going to sign a big deal that maybe he isn't really worth. Butler is one of the 10 best players in the league And takes a lot of scoring pressure off players, especially Simmons.

I will miss Covington too, hard working guy that was one of my favorites. Shooting was hot and cold but effort was great.

[Patchmk88]

As a non sixers fan, that is a steal for you guys. Butler is a fierce competitor and should light a fire under your younger players. Also takes some pressure off Simmons as a ballhandler and shooter who can create his own shot. Can't believe the Timberwolves rejected 4 first round picks from the Rockets and accepted this. Will be good for my Jazz though!

[Squire]

Just to clarify....Butler has not signed an extension with a Sixers...though Woj reports that both sides expect that to occur

[zambonir]

ESPN says it won't happen until the off-season but both sides are amenable. I mean, it's a pretty straightforward situation right, as far as the max allowable deal?

[xogfog]

Actually, I think this deal is better than the purported Rockets offer. Two quality legitimate NBA starters vs. 4 late round 1st round picks. Late 1st round picks are rarely worthwhile players.

[phillychuck]

ESPN says it won't happen until the off-season but both sides are amenable. I mean, it's a pretty straightforward situation right, as far as the max allowable deal?

If they do things right, they'll be able to sign another near-max player, and then extend Butler using his Bird rights to go over the cap.

[Purduke]

Agree that this is a much better than "have to do it" type deal, and principally because of the senior leadership. Simmons is so young that I still haven't decided if he just lacks passion or is just too young and unable to lead this team right now. That leadership will also translate into a more serious Embiid, I hope.

But on the court this has to mean that Simmons move from a point guard to point forward type role, and I hope with reduced role as primary ball handler. I think that helps Fultz and probably Simmons, who if he runs should get more opportunities to attack against a forward vs guard.

As to losing Saric, he was miscast with this group as it evolved. And after next year gone for good. NBA I such a "3 to win" league that if you are not one of those three you really just pick up scraps. Players like that (especially older guys) are willing to sign cheap to play those roles if they think a championship may be in the offing.

So both Covington and Saric will almost certainly be better off elsewhere.

[phillychuck]

Cov was a perfect fit for this team. Won't be better off elsewhere. Hope we get him back somehow.

[Purduke]

He was too far down the offensive food chain. Butler will give them the same shot but will do it as part of the offensive game plan. Starting last year Covington only got his looks when everything else broke down.

[Dirk41]

When he's on, there are few players in the entire league that can match Butler on both ends of the court. Would have preferred a big swing at Khawi or Klay this offseason, but Butler is a pure bulldog.

If his feet can stay/become in tact, Justin Patton is a perfect modem NBA big. Hope to see him recover and solidify that second C spot.

[bigegypt0417]

If his feet can stay/become in tact, Justin Patton is a perfect modem NBA big. Hope to see him recover and solidify that second C spot.

The sixers seem to be magnets for players with a bad foot but your assessment is spot on. A back-up center who can shoot from anywhere on the court. At 21 years old, we can afford to be patient.

[nycphils]

If his feet can stay/become in tact, Justin Patton is a perfect modem NBA big. Hope to see him recover and solidify that second C spot.

As I understand it, the TWolves already rejected offering him an extension so Patton will be a UFA at the end of the season no matter what.

Butler’s personality may work well with Embiid or Simmons, but I expect him to crush Fultz - a guy who was picked first (Butler was barely a first rounder) but can’t mentally hack it. I stole this from somewhere, but I can only imagine Fultz ending up practically in tears on the bench after Butler derides him with yet another “Shoot it, you coward!”

[allentown]

I think Fultz has been injured since before he joined the 76ers.

[Purduke]

I have read a couple people say this based on the Minny situation. One difference there is that Towns and Wiggins were the stars and the guys he had to ride posse with. If they weren't committed to his satisfaction, or lacking passion, challenging them makes sense. I'm hoping that he gets into Ben's grill too if needed. With Fultz right now it should be more a matter of getting him to contribute something.

[bigegypt0417]

Markelle Fultz is regressing all the way back in front of our eyes...has split from drew Hanlon.

[Lawman]

Fultz is the Rick Ankiel of the NBA.