The Sixers are currently 34-21 sitting in the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. The team has disappointed a bit but the East is much more difficult than it was last year. The team also has plenty of time to climb up the playoff seeding with 27 games left in the season.
With the NBA still on a break after the All-Star game, let's take back at five thoughts from the season so far:
1. Simmons Taking Steps Forward
The Numbers
Ben Simmons started the season looking like he had regressed. By December 1st, Simmons was only averaging 12.9 PPG, 6.9 TRB, and 8.3 AST which, while a quality stat-line, is a major drop from last season. Things started to pick up for Simmons in December and He's really taken off since the start of 2020.
Simmons has his averages up to 16.9 PPG, 7.9 TRB, and 8.3 AST. Most impressive is that he's increased his scoring by four points-per-game without seeing a decrease in his assists. The numbers for Simmons in 2020 are eye-popping; he currently boasts averages of 21.3 PPG, 9.4 TRB, and 7.9 AST. Few players are able to put up those types of numbers but what's crazy about Simmons this season is that he's been even better defensively.
Defensive Impact
Last season, Ben Simmons showed off his potential to become one of the best defenders in the NBA, a Defensive Player of the Year Candidate. This year, Simmons has delivered on that potential. Always active in the passing lanes, Simmons has improved to an average of 2.2 steals-per-game which leads the NBA. Simmons does struggle against smaller quicker guards like Kemba Walker and Spencer Dinwiddie, but he's been called upon to defend some of the best wing players in the game (Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James).
Simmons surprisingly still has room to grow even more as a defender, something he could even achieve by the end of this season. The growth Ben Simmons has seen may not include a jump-shot, but in almost every other area of the game, Ben Simmons is among the NBA's best.
2. Thybulle and Korkmaz Are Here to Stay
Matisse Thybulle
Since the Sixers drafted him, Matisse Thybulle has been exactly as advertised. A true 3-and-D player, Thybulle has found his role much sooner than expected. His stats may not be eye-popping but his impact is clear. Thybulle has shown himself to already be a premier defender in the NBA. He gambles a lot but he does so for good reason. Thybulle ranks first in steals-per-game among all rookies and second in total blocks among rookies. A clear difference-maker defensively, the icing on top has been Thybulle's three-point shot. Currently averaging over 37% from deep, Thybulle is already a capable shooter and has time to further develop his shot.
Furkan Korkmaz
Korkmaz has been on a mission this season to prove himself as an NBA player and has certainly accomplished that feat. It was a difficult couple of years for Korkmaz, he was drafted due to his shooting potential but struggled to find time on the court. This was so disappointing for Korkmaz that he actually requested a trade last season but thankfully, he remained a Sixer. A free-agent in the off-season, Korkmaz had difficulty landing a contract and was near a move overseas when the Sixers offered him a modest deal. Since then Korkmaz has done nothing but prove himself, becoming a talented shooter and improving his defense.
Korkmaz has improved his points-per-game and his shooting percentages leading to an increased role and chance to show off more and more his talent. Shooting near 40% from deep, Korkmaz has become one of the most relied upon players for a team desperate for shooting. Korkmaz is still under his modest contract next season and between now and then, will have every opportunity to contribute to a contender.
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Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
3. Brett Brown's Tenure is Likely Nearing An End
One thing that has seemed clear is that the pressure is on for Sixers Head Coach Brett Brown. There have been plenty of fans calling for Brown's job; some reasons being fair, others not so much.
What seems to be the determining factor this season is the team's performance in the playoffs this year. Last year, the Sixers suffered a frustrating loss in the second round for the second year in a row and the front office is not satisfied. The team will either have to make it past the second round, or at least compete enough to keep faith in Brett Brown.
How Brown Keeps His Job
The only likely way the Sixers can accomplish this though is if the seeding lines up so that they wouldn't face Milwaukee until the Eastern Conference Finals. The Sixers may have a chance though as they have reformed the look of the team.
Against the Clippers in the last game before the All-Star break, Brett Brown benched starting Power Forward Al Horford. This is something that fans had clamored for believing it would help the spacing of the offense, and it worked. With Horford on the bench, this moved Tobias Harris to his natural position of Power Forward and inserted Furkan Korkmaz into the starting lineup. While Korkmaz went scoreless for the game, Harris, Simmons, and Embiid were all clearly more comfortable which is the reason for the change. Horford was also able to provide quality impact from the bench making this more effective in almost all aspects.
If Coach Brown decides to keep everybody's role as it was against the Clippers, the Sixers have their best shot at competing and that could save his job. Firing Brett Brown is not necessarily the right move as the replacements are questionable but at a certain point, a new voice may be required.
4. Frustrations Mounting
There have been many documented cases of locker room unrest for the Sixers this season. The team has allegedly been in constant dispute mostly stemming from players complaining about their role. Joel Embiid has made comments that many have assumed to believe that he is dissatisfied with Ben Simmons' lack of desire to shoot. Al Horford also voiced his frustrations about his role in the offense and even acted a bit spicy towards the fans, shushing the Sixers' home crowd after a made three.
Things were so dire that Josh Richardson called a players-only meeting. A players-only meeting is concerning enough but one that isn't called by the stars is even more concerning. Simmons and Embiid have not seen the mental growth expected or desired of them and it is at least one contributing factor to the dysfunction.
Simmons/Embiid
Many are even discussing if it's time to end the Simmons/Embiid experiment. Simmons clearly likes to run a fast-paced offense while Embiid prefers to get the ball down-low and work in the post. Both players need to grow to help each other and themselves but trading one seems like the "easier" idea.
Simmons and Embiid are as talented as young stars come, the team will be best suited if the two find a way to work together on the court. The drama with the Sixers has been overblown because it' garners views but there is some truth at the root. The team needs to improve internally to have a real shot this year. Is it possible? Sure, but will it happen? That's up to be determined.
5. It's Not Over Yet
For all the negatives this season has seen: offensive chemistry, lack of wins, Simmons/Embiid drama; the Sixers' season is far from over. They are still the fifth seed and have room to improve. If Brett Brown continues to coach like he did against the Clippers and the Sixers continue to roll with the new-look lineup, there is a real chance that this team can grab the fourth or even the third seed.
The offense is the key for the Sixers, with Horford on the bench the spacing is much improved and it gives Horford the chance to run the pick-and-roll where he thrives. It will also be interesting to see how Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III integrate with the offense. This on top of the continued growth we should see from Thybulle, Korkmaz, Milton, and even Simmons and Embiid are reasons for excitement.
Remember, the Sixers are only one and a half games behind the Miami Heat for the fourth seed which could mean everything for the Sixers as it would give them an extra home game in the series. Looking further, the Sixers are only four and a half games behind the Celtics for the third seed. Difficult yes, but not impossible. This team still has the potential to be a title contender, they just need to put the unnecessary things behind them and focus on the game.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
