2020-21-22 Sixers Season

[zambonir]

Some of those nights they've gotten killed were without Shake. Just as some of the losses have been without Joel or Ben. At the same time, while West Coast road trips are obviously always tough, it also looked like the team with the best record in the East would not be a Top 4 team in the West. It remains to be seen whether they also can't quite match up with the Nets. So far there's a whole lot to like though.

Of course they're gonna do something, I think that list is right, barring a bigger swing.

[xogfog]

I think Howard has to be in the rotation, or Ben would have to play 48 a game to cover the center position when Joel rests, so I think they really go 9 deep in the playoffs, playing Kork sparingly. I'm also not sure you can just sit Maxey.

[zambonir]

As PC implied at the end of his post, in many scenarios Howard isn't on the team after the deadline, and Maxey would likely also be the odd man out (albeit still on the roster) if they pick up another guard.

[bigegypt0417]

How would Demarcus cousins fit on this team?

[xogfog]

I know he and Embiid like each other, but I'd rather keep Howard, though he gets a lot of fouls, he also pulls a lot of rebounds.

[phillychuck]

Sixers beat the Raptors while simultaneously Luka hits two consecutive step-back 3s to beat the Celtics.

Luka is such a unique player. I can't think of anyone like him, ever. Great shot, creates his own shot, great handle, no speed at all; limited D. Who is that other than him? Walt Frazier?

He's got some of Magic's game, but Magic had the speed and defensive chops.

[phillychuck]

Cousins is almost certainly going to LA, so no worries.

[bigegypt0417]

Maybe not...

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/hassan-whiteside-a-possible-target-for-lakers-as-a-demarcus-cousins-reunion-is-unlikely-per-report/amp/

[bigegypt0417]

I'm rooting for the raptors to play poorly because I'd really like to have Kyle Lowry on this team.

[phillychuck]

I meant LA in general (Lakers or Clippers) not just the Lakers.

[phillychuck]

Not exactly Sixers, but watch Doncic beat the Celtics last night. Start from the 3:00 minute mark, Dallas down one.

[bigegypt0417]

This kind of move would make the sixers a much better team...should not be that expensive as he's an expiring contract...

Kyle Lowry Trade Rumors: 76ers, Heat, Clippers Linked; PG 'Would Like' PHI

[phillychuck]

If Lowry wants to play in Philly, the Raptors may just buy him out and let him sign. I wouldn't give up a lot of future resources for him.

Post season 8-man roster with possible Morey tweaks (non-blockbuster edition):

Embiid
Simmons
Harris
Curry
Milton
Ball handling guard who can shoot--Hill, Lowry, Galloway
Another Shooter -- Will Barton, Cedi Osmun, Josh Hart
Stretch 4/5 -- PJ Tucker, Bjelica, Luke Cornett

If I could get the ones I'd like regardless of trade cost or salary I'd go Lowry/Barton/Bjelica
Howard and Thybulle getting specialized minutes.

I think a roster like this gives them a puncher's chance at making the finals and scaring one of the Western Powers.

[zambonir]

Are the Raptors tanking? I know they got off to a bad start but right now they're in 5th place, and 10 teams make the playofs. Even if Lowry is trying to force his way out you gotta get something for him. The buyout market is for players who aren't actually worth their salaries, whether they are washed up guys making $10 million or former stars making $30. Lowry is neither of those things. They may be willing to help him land somewhere good but not for nothing. And lots of teams will be interested.

But he'd probably re-sign with us, so why not give something up? You'd almost have to include Green to make the $ work. And probably one of Thybulle, Maxey or Milton, or a pick.

This is kind of a Mike Trout thing, where it just makes so much sense but is easier said than done.

[bigegypt0417]

Embiid and Simmons out for the ASG due to covid exposure.

[zambonir]

From a barber in Philly. I still haven't gotten a haircut myself. It says they flew on a private plane but will they be able to fly back? Still enough time to test negative and potentially not miss games right?

[xogfog]

Even if they test negative, there is probably a mandatory quarantine time that they have to adhere to and they might miss a couple games.

[zambonir]

Some players cleared very quickly after their contact with Curry. Truth is you could pass testing for 7-10, even 14 days and still end up having it, but I don't think the NBA protocol is anywhere near that strict.

[xogfog]

So, the NBA requires 5 straight negative tests, Embiid and Simmons both have tested negative since Saturday, so if they continue to do so, they will be eligible to return on Thursday against the Bulls so they would not miss any games, other than the All Star game.

[bigegypt0417]

Embiid is in quarantine through Friday and Simmons through Saturday.