Each player may have their own role, but they have many similarities many don't see.
The Philadelphia 76ers have created a roster that is brimming with talent. So much so that the praise ringing out from the players is very telling.
Everything hinges on this team and their ability to play together. Everyone is looking at everyone as a singular player, but no one is looking at how all this talent can complement one another. This entire starting five have different play styles, but they mirror each other in some way.
Let’s start in the backcourt, with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. These two are a one-two punch. Maxey has elusive speed and quickness that make him hard to handle if you’re not flat on your feet. Not only that, but he can use that speed to get anywhere he wants on the court. Edgecombe, on the other hand? Well, he’s a bit taller but has some of the same attributes. His height makes it easier to shoot over his opponent, and he too can get wherever he wants.
Not only that, but Edgecombe may be one of the better defenders on the entire team. The only difference offensively is he may be a better shooter when it comes to the three-point line. This means you can’t leave these two open or you’ll pay for it.
The front court is filled with a few bruisers. Jaylen Brown at the small forward position. He’s such a mismatch with anyone he goes up against because he can be a huge playmaker when he has the ball in his hands. Then there’s the fact that he’s a two-way player; his defense and ability to force turnovers are going to be what helps this team get easy shots in transition. Philadelphia’s other acquisition, LeBron James, will be a power forward by default. Too bad, he won’t be playing like one.
James has the ability to play the point-forward, and many expect him to do so. So with that in mind, he’s going to be doing a little of everything, and that is the biggest thing for this team, as they have another kind of playmaker who is going to be the facilitator. Now, we look at the man who makes it all go, Joel Embiid. He’s the defensive anchor, and with his backcourt keeping defenders at bay, it’ll mean nothing but space for him to go to work. He can shoot the three just like everyone else, and that’s what makes everything so synchronizing for the whole team.
This team truly has enough talent that they won’t miss a beat no matter which star misses a game. It’s just one reason why it’s going to be hard to not see them in the playoffs.
