Sixers Hire Former Grizzlies and Kings Coach Dave Joerger as an Assistant

Yesterday afternoon, the Sixers announced they have hired former Grizzlies and Kings head coach Dave Joerger to be an assistant coach under Doc Rivers. Joerger, who was a possible candidate to become the head coach awhile back, expressed interest and signed with Philly very shortly after. Joerger has a .498% winning percentage despite coaching a Kings’ team that was in the process of rebuilding, so that is very impressive. Joerger has a reputation for holding players accountable and pushing players to their max. De’Aaron Fox, the speedy Kings’ point guard, improved and became an All-Star caliber player under Joerger. He has a great basketball mind, and is very talented at working with what he has to work with. In his three years coaching the Memphis Grizzlies, Joerger went 147-99 and made the playoffs in 2013-2014, 2014-2015, and in 2015-2016. In his three years coaching the Sacramento Kings, Joerger went 98-148 and missed the playoffs all three times. Reportedly, the Sixers expressed interest in trading for Kings’ sharpshooter Buddy Hield who seemed unhappy in Sacramento. Apparently, Joerger and Hield clashed and did not get along with each other, and that plus them not winning games caused Joerger to be fired. However, I believe that us hiring Joerger does not hinder us pushing for Buddy Hield at all. I think that Buddy was mad that the culture hasn’t been winning, and took it out on Dave. I’m sure he understands that if does indeed get traded to Philly, he would fit amazingly with Doc and Dave, and flourish with Ben and Joel. I could be wrong, but this is my thoughts on the Hield-Joerger situation. All in all, this was an amazing hire, and even as an assistant coach, I believe Joerger will make a HUGE difference. Thanks for reading!

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Suns-Sixers Mock Trade Surfaces from Bleacher Report

Recently, a Bleacher Report writer released a Sixers-Suns mock trade that will certainly raise some eyebrows. Th trade was a very simple swap, where the Sixers receive Devin Booker and the Suns receive Ben Simmons. Now, there has been no rumor of this happening, it was just a mock trade, so nothing is definite. However, if Elton Brand was looking to move Simmons and build around Embiid, this trade would certainly be beneficial for both sides.

Sixers Benefit/Losses

The Sixers can benefit in a lot of ways in this trade. One, the pick-and-roll between Embiid and Booker would be unstoppable. Booker and Embiid would be a fantastic duo and flourish together. Booker is a fantastic shooter, and can creat shots at will. Although Simmons is a much better facilitator, Booker can still playmake and lead an offense. The loss of facilitating is devasting, but Shake Milton could pick up some slack as the point guard. If Elton wanted to try and build around Booker and Embiid, that would be awesome. However, I would like to see Simmons and Embiid work under new head coach Doc Rivers before any change is made in the roster. If they are still unable to coexist under Rivers, then we need to push for a trade and this would be a great option.

Suns Benefit/Losses

The Suns took a devastating loss to the Portland Blazers in a play in game to make the playoffs after going 8-0 in the bubble a couple weeks ago, and looked like a really promising team under Monty Williams. However, if Booker did request a trade or the Suns decided they wanted to move him, I feel like aquiring Ben Simmons in return would work out great. The Suns get a top defender and facilitator in Simmons, and Simmons would be great with Deandre Ayton down low. Ricky Rubio would most likely be moved to the bench, and Simmons could either start as a PF or PG with them. They do however lose shooting spark in Booker, but could make it up with good facilitating all-around.

All in all, I really wouldn’t be apposed to a Devin Booker and Ben Simmons swap, and if I was a Suns fan, I wouldn’t be either. Thank you for reading!

Sixers Bring In Sharpshooter Tyrell Terry For Interview

On September 31st, the Sixers announced that they brought in Stanfords’ sharpshooter Tyrell Terry for a workout and interview. I’ve brought up Terry before, and discussed how great he would fit into our squad, so its great that they made some initiative and brought him in. Reportedley, the communication between Terry and the Sixers were fantastic and they really got along. They really loved his skillset and what he could bring to the table, and as of now, looks like the #1 option at pick 21.

Tyrell Terry is a shooting guard from Stanford, and is an excellent shot creator ad shooter who can defend as well. The Sixers have been in need of that go-to shooting guy, and it looks like Terry could possibly fill that void. Terry had some pretty impressive stats this year, posting 14.6 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, 3.2 assists per game, and shot 40.8% from three. Obviously there are better prospects available, but Terry can fit very well with our roster construcution and be introduced immediately in the rotation. With fantastic facilitaters such as Shake Milton and Ben Simmons, Terry will definitely be given plenty of oppurtunities to showcase his shooting. The Sixers also hired a new coach in Doc Rivers, who can utilize his spacing and shooting especially well. If the rumors are true and the Sixers do in fact try and trade for Buddy Hield, Terry can shawdow him and develop a same type of role on the bench and produce that way for us as well. Either way, I think the Sixers hit the nail on the head when they interviewed Tyrell, and I really hope we see him in a Sixers’ jersey soon. Thanks for reading!

Rumor: Sixers Think the Hire of Mike D’Antoni Will Lure James Harden to Philly

A recent report came out regarding the Sixers coaching search, and regarding free agent coach Mike D’Antoni who was linked to the Sixers before. Insiders believe the Sixers may want to hire D’Antoni because they think James Harden of the Houston Rockets, who D’Antoni used to coach, would be willing to sign or trade to come to the Sixers. There are many insiders who think D’Antoni is the frontrunner for a head coach because of this. In this article, we will be diving into why this is a bad idea.

1. Mike D’Antoni

Reportedly, the main factor Mike is the frontrunner is because of this rumor. No matter who the player is, we shouldn’t sign a coach just to get a player unless it is a 100% done deal. D’Antoni wouldn’t be a bad coach, but there is speculation that since he runs a small-ball offense, Joel Embiid might be traded for shooters to fit his offense, which is not a good idea either. The Sixers should hire a coach that can discipline our players, be a leader, and have a solid game plan on both sides of the floor for our stars. If we truly do hire D’Antoni just to possibly acquire Harden, then he could be the wrong fit and not cooperate well with the team.

2. James Harden

I love James Harden, and personally think he is the best offensive player in the league. But he will be 33 when he becomes a free agent and might be a liability because of his age. Also, trading Embiid or Simmons for him would defeat the whole purpose of trading for him. Now onto the important part, his gameplay. As we all know, James Harden is an amazing shooter and scorer, but usually needs the ball in his hands to perform well and contribute to the team. However, Joel needs the ball to succeed as well and isn’t a good off-ball player yet. Harden might interfere with the little chemistry Ben and Joel already has, which would again defeat the whole purpose of acquiring him in the first place. All in all, I do NOT think hiring D’Antoni because of a “rumor” that James Harden would come to Philly. Thanks for reading!

Ben Simmons Makes All-NBA 3rd Team; and Joel Didn’t

This past Wednesday, the NBA announced the All-NBA teams, and Ben Simmons was selected to the All-NBA 3rd team, which is well-deserved on his part. However, Joel Embiid was nowhere to be found. In this article, I will be giving my thoughts on these two selections.

First of all, huge props to Ben Simmons for getting the recognition he deserves. Simmons has elevated his defense to an elite level this year, and has improved tremendously. This was very well-deserved, and it’s only going to get better from here. Simmons is only 24 years old, and has so much to play for. This is Simmons’ first All-NBA selection, and the future is most definitely bright.

Secondly, Joel Embiid. Embiid not making it can be depicted in many ways. He was definitely deserving off it, but there was some other factors into him missing the cut. For example, Joel played a limited amount of games this season, which I’m sure played a part. Statistically, Embiid did have a down year. However, no matter these downfalls, you would think a undeniable top three center in the NBA would make at least the All-NBA 3rd team. Rudy Gobert presumambly took the spot Embiid would’ve had this year, and there’s a trending argument that Embiid should’ve taken the spot, despite his struggles this year. Gobert, a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year, is a top center and the league that has had run-ins with Embiid before. Hopefully Joel can have a bounce-back year next year and defy the odds.

2 Shooters the Sixers Must Pursue This Offseason

After a disappointing ending to the season, Elton Brand (Sixers GM) definitely has his plate full this offseason. It’s obvious what the Sixers need to take care of and that is there shooting woes. There is no go-to guy to shoot the ball after the loss of JJ Redick, and the Sixers have struggled shooting the ball ever since. Here’s two automatic free agent snipers who would improve the team’s overall shooting immensely.

• Joe Harris, Brooklyn Nets

Joe Harris is an excellent shooter off the catch and off the dribble. He was easily Brooklyn’s best shooter this year, shooting 42.4 from 3. He is probably the most realistic signing this offseason, and the Sixers could definitely sign him for cheap. The Nets sound like they want to contain Harris, but if Elton is aggressive like he’s known to be, Harris could be a viable option and maybe a likely one.

• Davis Bertans, Washington Wizards

Another awesome option that we should look into is 3 and D Davis Bertans. Bertans prove this season he can shoot the ball very efficiently and play complimenting defense as well, and had a fantastic season. Without Wall, Davis was an excellent shooter and in the starting lineup this year, shooting 42.5 from 3 this year. However, unlike Harris, Bertans will be harder to acquire, as many teams who can pay him a lot of money are interested in acquiring him this offseason, so Elton will have to work extra hard if he wants to try and sign Davis. Nonetheless, he’d be a phenomenal signing and would boost our bench production instantly.

Sixers Draft Overview

The offseason is now here for the Sixers, as they already fired head coach Brett Brown and wait for free agency and the draft to approach them. This year’s board has a lot of potential, and the Sixers could really benefit heavily from it. This is my draft overview and my top three realistic candidates for Sixers at 21st on the draft board.

3: Jahmi’us Ramsey, Texas Tech

Number 3 is Jahmi’us Ramsey, who is a 6’4 point guard who can shoot the ball and create shots effectively. He averaged 15 PPG, 4 RPG, and 2 APG. He would provide much needed scoring and shooting depth for the bench. He can provide effective minutes when we need a bucket, and is a great leader. I think he would be great off the bench as a backup point guard. The only reason I didn’t put Ramsey higher on the list is that his style of play is a little different from how the Sixers run things, and I don’t know if he would mesh well as an off-ball point guard in some rotations.

2. Josh Green, Arizona

At number 2, we have Josh Green, who is 1/2 of the deadly Arizona guard duo this year who proved himself to be a versatile scorer and shooter. Green can score and shoot at well, and is very versatile on both sides of the floor. Green can defend very well and is a great stretch two. He can work well off the ball as much as with it, and I think that he would fit amazingly with our rotations. His three point shooting isn’t the best, but hopefully under a new coach he would strengthen his shooting. All in all, Green is a great prospect, and should be heavily considered by us at the 21st spot.

1. Tyrell Terry, Stanford

At first place, we have none other than Stanford shooting guard Tyrell Terry. Terry is a natural sharpshooter, and one of the best shooters in the draft. Terry would be an awesome offensive threat to have, and would be awesome with Embiid and Ben among others. Terry averaged 14.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 3.2 APG with 44.1 FG% and 40.8 3P%, which is great. Terry is also an above average defender, so he isn’t only a one player and isn’t a liability like our other previous sharpshooters JJ Redick and current shooter Furkan Korkmaz. Tyrell would fit amazingly, and we may even be able to trade down because he hasn’t been heavily scouted. Tyrell Terry should be the go-to pick at 21 for Sixers if available. Thank you for reading!

3 Possible Trades the Sixers can look into

The Sixers took a devastating loss last night to the Boston Celtics. The series is totally controlled by Boston. This loss made the Sixers look like they needed a serious makeover. Firing the coach and general manager and changing the roster could be coming in the near future. Here are three mock trades I think are realistic and good ideas for the Sixers this upcoming offseason:

• Sixers Receive: Zach Lavine, Thaddeus Young
• Bulls Receive: Al Horford, Tobias Harris, Zhaire Smith, 1st round pick, 2nd round pick

This mock trade works out for both teams. The Bulls get two picks for rebuild and solid players in Tobias Harris and Al Horford. However, the Bulls have to take Harris and Horford’s heavy contracts and give up on Lavine. I doubt they trade Lavine without letting him play under a new coach. If the Bulls do look into trading Lavine, I think the Sixers would be a good suitor. The Sixers get a top 10 shooting guard in the young Zach Lavine and get rid of Horford and Harris’s contracts, while only giving up two picks. Zhaire hasn’t proven he can be a rotational player, so he would be included. We also get depth and a reunion in Young. The lineup would most likely consist of Milton, Lavine, Richardson, Simmons, Embiid.

• Sixers Receive: Blake Griffin, Langston Galloway
• Pistons Receive: Al Horford, Glenn Robinson III, Zhaire Smith, Mike Scott, 2nd round pick

Another realistic mock trade for the Sixers is a Pistons-Sixers trade. The Pistons get some bench pieces and a Griffin-Horford swap after hearing Blake might want out of Detroit. This is very beneficial because Griffin can shoot and space well, and isn’t a stretch center, unlike Horford. I would like this trade very much, and I don’t think it’s a long shot, either. Our lineup would look like Milton, Richardson, Harris, Griffin, and Embiid.

• Sixers Receive: Buddy Hield, Cory Joesph, Nemanja Bjelica
• Kings Receive: Al Horford, Josh Richardson, Mike Scott, Zhaire Smith, 2nd round pick

This trade is the most probable option in my mind. The Kings already had heavy interest in Horford, so I don’t think they would mind taking his contract. Giving up Richardson would be tough, but we would need those two bench pieces so I think we should throw him in there. Joesph and Bjelica would be great bench pieces for us as well. Hield would fit perfectly, and would quickly adopt a catch-and-shoot role with the Sixers. Our lineup would most likely look like Milton, Hield, Harris, Simmons, Embiid.