The Philadelphia 76ers still aren’t very good. But, for the first time since Sam Hinkie unleashed his controversial, franchise-altering #process three seasons ago, fans are getting a glimpse of future returns on his unique asset management.
Facing Cleveland at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, the 76ers competently challenged LeBron and the Cavaliers, despite losing 112-108.
The performance was a stark contrast from recent ones by awful 76ers teams put out night-after-night en route to three consecutive 60+ loss seasons. It even contrasted the 76ers early this season. Philadelphia’s first matchup against the Cavs ended in heartbreak with the 76ers starting sloppy, going down 15 points after the first quarter which haunted them late, eventually falling by one point 102-101. With barely more assists (22) than turnovers (17), Philadelphia was handed their fifth straight loss to start 2016-17.
Three weeks later, Philadelphia is finally showing much-needed progress. Before imploding in the fourth quarter, the 76ers played like a team capable of beating the Cavs. Joel Embiid was beasting, Jahlil Okafor was doing some nice work in the post and Sergio Rodriguez running the floor competently. Up four points by the end of the third quarter, fans in Philly seemed to genuinely enjoy watching a team which had largely been an intentional mess for years. Of course, predictably, the wheels fell off and once LeBron and the Cavaliers started caring about potentially losing to the East bottom-feeders, the game was over. But, seeing Embiid, Okafor, Stauskus and a handful of other 76ers compete and make you wonder “can they win?” is a new experience all in itself in Philly.
Joel Embiid is a freaking monster, averaging stupid per-36 numbers while routinely hitting threes, making incredible hook shots and intimidating players who are courageous enough to enter the post. On a 24-minute restriction, Embiid sitting at inopportune moments has likely cost the 76ers a win or two. But, considering he missed two consecutive seasons with a foot injury, it’s hard to blame Philadelphia for thinking long-term.
Look out. 😳 pic.twitter.com/1axBKY3LPk
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 27, 2016
Nick Stauskas has risen above the “Stauskas, Stauskas?” meme and has become an efficient three point shooter and slasher. Dario Saric is going through growing pains as a 22-year-old rookie, but the former lottery pick has shown potential in a faucet of areas, including stretching the floor and rebounding. Vets Sergio Rodriguez, Ersan Ilyasova and Gerald Henderson won’t swing the needle all that much, but for a team that started dudes like Henry Sims and Jakkar Sampson in recent seasons, having established guys helps field a watchable team. Head coach Brett Brown has multiple options. It takes pressure off the bevy of youngsters in the lineup.
Patience (and ball movement) is a virtue. https://t.co/kdq3wfodFT
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 27, 2016
Look, Philadelphia isn’t going to make the playoffs. They’ll be lucky to win 30 games. However, the franchise’s trajectory is swinging up with each game. Losses aren’t an automatic assumption anymore, even against the defending NBA champions. With Ben Simmons is on the way and to a lesser extent, Nerlens Noel returning from injury, it’s an exciting time in Philly. Even if they still stink. The pieces are there, now the process is playing out.
