The Sixers have had an extremely busy offseason, dropping and adding players in an attempt to return to their days of NBA dominance. The Sixers exciting summer was of course capped off by the acquisition of blockbuster big Andrew Bynum, who will hopefully become Philly's center of the future.
While in flux for a while, the Sixers roster for this upcoming season seems to be set, varying vastly from the the lineup that beat the Bulls and pushed Boston to 7 in last year's Eastern semis. Gone are Iguadala, Elton Brand, and leading scorer Lou Williams. In their place we find Bynum, Kwame Brown, and a plethora of wing players (J Rich, Nick Young, Dorell Wright). This current Sixer squad is deeper, more well-rounded, and better constructed to compete.
With so many options for Coach Collins to consider, it is no surprise that the starting lineup is not yet set, and there seems to be some uncertainty around it, at least from media members. As many of the players on this team have never played together it will take some time for chemistry to develop and for the coaching staff to determine who fits best where. For Sixer fans this means that the starting lineup the team trots out on opening night is not set in stone, and may be altered throughout the season as the players get a better feel for each other.
Halloween, however is coming up quickly, and the Sixers need to settle on a lineup that will help them get the season off to the right start. Below is who I believe may be in the Sixers starting lineup come October 31st.
PG - Jrue Holiday
The Sixers' promising young point guard will return to his role as the team's starting floor general. The addition of Bynum should help Holiday by opening up the lane, drawing defenders off the arc, and providing a legitimate low-post scoring option. Expect Jrue's production to increase this season.
SG - Evan Turner
The Sixers are now stacked at shooting guard, and realistically any of them (Turner, Richardson, Young) could start in the right system, but now seems to be Turner's time. The team's second pick in the draft two summers ago, the Sixers seem to be ready to see what this kid can do now that he is no longer under the wing of Andre Iguadala. His three point shooting needs to improve, especially playing with a kick-out big like Bynum, but his athleticism and ability to get to the rim will be crucial to the Sixers this season, as will his defense, as he will often be asked to guard the other team's best perimeter player in the absence of Iggy.
The pressure will be on for Turner to perform, especially with a couple extremely capable two guards waiting in the wing. Richardson and Nick Young are both knock-down shooters who will see ample tick in the Bynum-based offense. However it would only make sense for Collins to start Turner, presumably a future part of the franchise, to see what he can do, rather than giving the starting spot to a player who is not tied to the future of the franchise. This also leaves the Sixers with a lot of fire power off of the bench, which is never a bad thing.
SF - Dorell Wright
Not the most obvious choice here, but Dorell's inclusion in the starting lineup makes sense. Wright is a three point threat with almost unlimited range, meaning that defenders can't in good conscience leave Dorell to double down on Bynum. With Jrue and E.T. as the de facto ball handlers and play makers, Dorell is largely relieved of these duties, allowing him to concentrate strictly on shooting/scoring, which is what the Sixers need from him. His inclusion in the starting lineup will help to keep defenses honest and open things up for Andrew in the post.
PF - Lavoy Allen
Coach Collins loves veterans, and while this is only Lavoy's second season he proved a lot to the coach in last year's postseason. Although slightly undersized, Lavoy has a big body, enjoys contact, and can rebound. With Bynum dominating the block, Lavoy won't need to be much of a scoring option, but rather a hard-nosed player who earns his time on the defensive end and on the glass. Also his consistent mid-range shot will provide another outlet for Bynum should he become bogged down in the post. Allen could compliment well while providing Philly with an extremely proficient and formidable front line.
C - Andrew Bynum
It is safe to assume that the Sixers' prized pickup of the summer, and the best center they've had since the days of Moses Malone, will be penciled in as the starter this season. Bynum gives the Sixers a dimension they haven't had in decades as a legitimate low-post threat, and if he signs long-term his presence greatly improves the outlook for the future of the franchise. Suddenly Spencer Hawes doesn't sound so bad as a back-up, and the Sixers have developed into one of the League's deepest teams at the coveted center position.
6th man - Thad Young
Many thought that with the departure of Elton Brand Thad would slid into the starting four spot. However with the roster as it is currently constructed, Young still fits better in a bench role. His minutes should still increase slightly as his versatility will allow him to be the first guy off the bench at either of the forward spots, depending on the matchup. Thad's athleticism and ability to shoot should mesh well with Bynum, who could cover up Young's rebounding deficiencies, should Collins decide to play him long stretches at the four. Whether or not he is a "starter" this season, Young will see big minutes with the Sixers and his production is key to their success.
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