3 Lingering Concerns 76ers Can't Afford To Ignore

The second preseason game saw the unveiling of the new Philadelphia 76ers. All five starters played, and it was interesting to watch to say the least. The team may have lost, but that’s not what this game was about. This was about learning how this team could play together. While it’s some bright spots in this game, it’s definitely some things to be concerned about going forward.

1. Rebounding may be an issue.

While the starters did play, it seems to be a problem with collecting the rebound. The stats may be a bit misleading, as the 76ers did outrebound the Nets 43-39; the nine offensive rebounds by the Nets are very telling. Too early, and often there was a white jersey swarming the glass for an opportunity at second-chance points. The lack of big men was very telling in this department, and it could lead to bigger problems down the line.

2. The first game together was a bit sloppy.

While it was everyone’s first time on the court together against an actual opponent, it doesn’t excuse the large amount of turnovers there were. The 76ers had 22 turnovers in this game, and it led to 23 points for the Nets. It was clear that everyone was trying to knock off the rust, especially Joel Embiid. Embiid had the biggest struggle of the starters. He shot 1-5 from the field and had eight turnovers. While he was trying to get his legs back under him, it was very hard to watch him struggle the way that he did. Between the turnovers and lack of defense, the starters left much to be desired outside of the fastbreak plays.

3. The center position is going to be a major problem.

Joel Embiid had his struggles, yes, but the way that the backups played in the paint is showing that the loss of Ariel Hukporti and Adem Bona is already a cause for concern. Jabari Walker had some minutes, and he did the best he could, but he’s just too small to be used at that position. There has to be some singing of someone at some point unless the big men on the injury list are going to be ready in a little under two weeks.

All in all, this game showed that there’s still some work to be done. The team lost, and now there have been some flaws that need to be cleaned up. Hopefully there will be some answers for this team, or you can expect a heavy dose of the starters, and that’s not a good look for Philadelphia.