While most conversations around Sixers involved some star players they added this summer, the team also worked to rebuild their bench depth.
The play of the scoring defenseman will be a key part of that effort Anfernie SimonsWorld Health Organization signed signed a two-year deal with the team this summer. Simons is undoubtedly a high-level shooter, but the biggest question surrounding him will center on the other end of the court. The question isn’t whether he’ll be the worst defender on the roster, but whether he’ll be so devastatingly bad that the team won’t be able to trust him in the playoffs. Adam Aaronson writes for the Philly Voice.
While the defense has been abysmal for most of his career, it could be more palatable in a role off the bench, Trail Blazers reporter Sean Hykin said in interview with Gina Mizell of the Philly Inquirer.
His shooting might be good enough that even with that concern in the background, Simons could establish himself as part of some of the team’s best lineups, Aaronson notes.
We have more from the Sixers:
- Two of Philadelphia’s greatest stars, Joel Embiid and LeBron Jameswill enter the season with real questions about how they will hold up throughout the regular season. It’s an issue the team is taking seriously, but they haven’t yet decided on a load management program, writes Tony Jones for The Athletic (subscriber link). “We’re going to start talking“, head coach Nick Nurse said. “It’s obviously a very good question and a very good point, and it makes sense that people are talking about it. We will have many discussions about this. I think now that we’re here, we’re kind of laser scanning what that’s going to look like.”
- Tyrese Maxey has been an All-Star in two of the last three seasons and should have another big year ahead of him, but he’s not interested in individual accolades when it comes to this season. Dave McMenamin writes for ESPN. “Now I’m at the point where I’ve shown what I can do in terms of talent– said the star guard.Of course I will continue to improve, but I want to be judged by winning. If we win, I want to be judged on that. That’s really my main mindset, my main goal is to find ways to win.Maxey knows he will be a leader for this team, but is also excited about the opportunity to play different roles depending on the lineup he is on the court with.
- Another key reserve this season will be the former Cavaliers forward. Dean Wadewho joined the Sixers for four years, $39 million right this summer. Wade’s relentless work ethic is one of the reasons he’s become such a successful player in the league, Cavs reporter Chris Fedor tells Mizell in an interview with the Scouting Report. His impact may not be reflected in the free kick rating, but it will be felt through his effort and defensive intensity. He is excited to be a part of a versatile defensive team alongside James’ strong defenders and athletes, VJ Edgecombeand Jaylen Brown, Chris Hine writes for the Inquirer. “That’s what’s going to separate us defensively as well, we’ve got so many great full-backs, great full-backs and great on-the-ball defenders“,” Wade said. If there’s one area his team wants to see him improve in, it’s his aggressiveness as a shooter. “(I’m) going to lead him this year to shoot the ball,” Maxey said.I want him to hit a lot of threes. He can hit the ball.”
