Philadelphia 76ers: 3 key observations after first 10 games
By Simon Smith
2. Veteran presence has been vital
While the young stars have garnered the majority of the attention, the impact made by some veteran additions cannot be underestimated.
This offseason, the Sixers signed veterans J.J. Redick and Amir Johnson to one-year deals. Not only were they signed for their production on the court, but also what they would bring to the locker room. Furthermore, guard Jerry Bayless, who played just three games in his debut season last year with the team, is also a virtual new recruit. And through 10 games, their contributions have been invaluable.
Redick has lived up to his reputation as one of the premier shooters in the league, averaging 15.6 points per game while hitting at a 43.4 percent clip from long range on 6.6 attempts per game. With his ability to play off the ball, Redick has been an incredible fit alongside the playmaking abilities of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. As coach Brown noted after Redick recently compiled a season-high 31 points that included eight 3-pointers:
"“When you bring someone in and you say ‘what is their idenitifiable NBA skill?,’ it’s not hard to reach for what his is. His skill set completely complements Joel Embiid’s and Ben [Simmons] driving it and finding him. And tonight, we all saw J.J. at his best when it mattered the most.”"
Although he’s started just one game, Johnson nonetheless has been a valuable addition thus far. So much so, third-year center Jahlil Okafor, the No. 3 overall selection in 2015, has been out of the rotation virtually all season. Despite standing just 6’9″, Johnson’s veteran smarts and determined approach make him an ideal role player for any team.
Bayless, meanwhile, has had somewhat of a renaissance this season, as he has started in seven of his nine games. Over this span, he has averaged 11.0 points in 31.1 minutes per game and has shot at a 42.2 percent clip from 3-point range. Like Redick, Bayless’ ability to spread the floor has been a key component in the Sixers’ vastly improved offensive output.