The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a 7-4 start despite not having much cohesion for being a brand new team. So why does it seem like the sky is falling?
There are three key numbers that stand out here in the early going of the season and it’s a reason why the team, despite their record, does not look as dominant as some people had expected.
20.4%
That is Tobias Harris’ 3-point percentage. He had a ton of expectations coming into the season. The team re-signed him to a lucrative contract with hopes that he would provide the wing scoring and the shooting the team so desperately needs. However, it just has not been there and it’s been an absolute struggle for him, especially in Philadelphia’s last two games where he shot a combined 0-for-14 from deep. Coach Brett Brown did reveal that he’s sick, but it does not really excuse the poor shooting.
Six players in the NBA this season shooting less than 25% from three while attempting at least four per game:
Russell Westbrook
Patrick Beverly
Nikola Jokic
Jrue Holiday
Terrence Ross
Tobias Harris (20.4% from three this season)— Kevin Kinkead (@Kevin_Kinkead) November 14, 2019
The Sixers need Harris to get it going. His play is something that Brown has singled out on multiple occasions for them to truly succeed on the offensive end. What’s even worse, he’s shooting 23.7% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers through the first 11 games after shooting 38.2% on such shots in 2018-19 and shooting 40.7% in 2017-18.
0
That is the total number of 3-pointers Ben Simmons has taken in2019-20. It’s so hard to truly nitpick at a player as talented as Simmons is, but the fact that he has yet to take a 3-pointer after all of the hype in the summer is disappointing. Everybody saw those videos he put out in the offseason and everybody was expecting him to at least attempt some 3-pointers. The expectations grew in the preseason when he drilled a 3-pointer in their preseason opener.
Brown has stated on Simmons’ jumper in the past:
I will say, and maybe you don’t agree, but I’ll say it, this still isn’t ‘the thing.’ It’s hugely important, we understand that, especially in April, May and June and we have to set the stage, but where I see the world with him is I think he can be the best defensive player in the NBA.
The Sixers really need Simmons to breakthrough and at least attempt a jumper. It would go a long way in their success.
4
The projected starting lineup of Simmons, Josh Richardson, Harris, Al Horford, and Joel Embiid have played a grand total of four games together. Due to Embiid’s suspension and load management, Simmons’ injury, and a rest day for Horford, the Sixers have not had much time to really play their big starting lineup together. It’s hard to get a real assessment of this team after just 11 games and they’ve had a full starting lineup for only four of those games. There needs to be more shown from this team before a panic button needs to be pushed. [lawrence-related id=19270,19262,19254]