Check out the original article from Philly.com here.
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Sixers projected starting five:
Point guard: Michael Carter-Williams: It is safe to
assume that the NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year will be back starting at the
point guard position this season for the Sixers. Despite some expected
struggles, Carter-Williams’ play was promising last season, as he demonstrated
an ability to operate an offense, create opportunities for others, push the
pace, and even secure some steals.
Improvements need to be made to his game if he is going to
hold down the point guard position for the franchise going forward, especially
to his shooting and on-ball defense. But, Carter-Williams will be given every
opportunity to improve this season, as he projects to get ample playing time
with the ball in his hands, just as he did last season.
Shooting guard:
Hollis Thompson: The wing spots are the biggest question marks for the
Sixers heading into the season. James Anderson, who started 62 games for the
team last season is gone, and with so much young talent to develop, it doesn’t
make much sense to hand 52-year old Jason Richardson a starting spot.
Jordan McRae is another option here, especially after his
impressive Summer League performance, but as an NBA player he still has a lot
to learn. He will likely be better suited as an offensive option off of the
bench, at least to start the season.
KJ McDaniels image from wltx.com |
Thompson started 41 games for the Sixers last season, and
although he is not naturally a shooting guard, starting him there makes some
sense for the Sixers. Thompson is one of the few players on the roster as it is
currently constructed with the ability to stretch the floor and consistently
know down an outside shot, which makes him very valuable on the offensive end.
While his handle needs to be improved, especially if he were slotted at
shooting guard where he would need to share some of the ball-handling duties,
Thompson showed an improved ability to beat a defender off of the dribble and
take the ball to the basket in Orlando this summer. His point production was
not coming off just outside shooting as it did for much of last season, but
also through lane drives and trips to the basket. It is this kind of
development that the Sixers want to see from the 23- year old. I would expect
to see him in the starting spot come October.
Small forward: K.J. McDaniels: McDaniels has a bright
future in the league, and more specifically with the Sixers. He was a
first-round talent who happened to slip to the Sixers in the second round, and
it could prove to be one of the biggest steals of the draft. McDaniels is long
and athletic, and should fit in nicely with the Sixers’ scheme. He is dedicated
defensively, and is excellent at getting out in transition, an area the Sixers
emphasize. He showed some signs of a stroke during Summer League, and if he can
hit outside shots with some consistency, he will quickly become very valuable
to the Sixers.
While McDaniels’ starting spot is far from solidified, he
may be the front-runner and this point, and in another season without
expectation, it only makes sense to give the kid ample opportunity, see what he
can do, and allow him to develop through on-court action.
Power forward: Thaddeus Young: Assuming Young is still
with the Sixers to start the season, he will again hold down the starting spot
at power forward. Young is a multi-faceted forward that could technically play
several positions on the floor. The biggest question surrounding Young at this
point is when, and where, he will be moved, which is unfortunate, considering how
good of a guy he is on, and off the court. As long as he stays a Sixer however,
he should remain in the starting rotation.
Center: Nerlens Noel: And now, starting for the
Sixers at Center, from the University of Kentucky, number four.. NERLENSS
NOOELLL.
After a season on the shelf, Noel projects to start at center
for the Sixers this season. It is yet to be seen what position Noel will play
when Joel Embiid eventually hits the hardwood, but in the absence of many other
options, Noel will likely start at center this season. He may play alongside
Henry Sims for some stretches to get him acclimated to playing the power
forward position at the NBA-level as well.
The Sixers will likely monitor his minutes as he gets back
to basketball. Around 25-30 minutes a night seems like a realistic minute per
game expectation for the ultra-athletic Noel. While that might not be enough
exposure for Noel to take home hardware like Carter-Williams did after his
rookie season, he will have ample opportunity to show his stuff.
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