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Philadelphia 76ers: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

BySimon Smith|
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat in game two of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat in game two of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons
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(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

3. J.J. Redick to become the oldest player to hit 200 3s in a season

Since the inception of the 3-point line in 1979-80, Kyle Korver remains the oldest player to have nailed at least 200 triples in a single season. In 2014-15 and at age 33, Korver nailed 221 triples as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Last season, also at age 33, J.J. Redick knocked down 193 attempts from 3-point range, thus breaking a streak of three consecutive seasons of at least 200 triples.

The main difference, however, was that last season Redick played in 70 games, having missed a combined 15 games over the previous three seasons combined.

While his games missed last season were due simply to minor injuries, keeping Redick on the court for enough games to break the 200 mark is clearly going to be vital in achieving this mark. After all, no player 34 or over has achieved this mark.

One factor working in Redick’s favor is the loss during the summer of key free agents Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova.

Combining for 8.9 attempts per game from 3-point range after joining the team in February, this veteran duo made an enormous impact during their brief stint with the Sixers.

While the team added Wilson Chandler and Mike Muscala over the offseason, this duo combined averaged just 6.5 attempts per game from 3-point range last season on their respective teams, with their roles expected to be minor in their new home.

Given the incredible rise in the use of the 3-point line, it’s remarkable that the current holder for the most 3-pointers made in a season at age 34 or above is Dale Ellis back in 1996-97.

At age 36 and as a member of the Denver Nuggets, Ellis played in all 82 games while averaging 35.9 minutes per game. Despite being in his 14th season, Ellis averaged a career high 6.4 attempts per game from long range while hitting at a 45.7 percent clip.

Last season, Redick averaged a career high 6.6 attempts in 30.2 minutes per game, converting at a 42.0 percent return.

So while breaking the record books is clearly never easy, Redick’s overall professionalism and significant importance to the team should give him every chance of achieving this feat.