Philadelphia 76ers: 2018-19 NBA season preview

2018-19 roster

Key additions: Zhaire Smith (draft), Landry Shamet (draft), Shake Milton (draft), Wilson Chandler (trade), Mike Muscala (trade)

Key subtractions: Ersan Ilyasova (free agency), Marco Belinelli (free agency), Richaun Holmes (trade)

The Philadelphia 76ers will lose Ersan Ilyasova and Marco Belinelli, two key pieces off the bench in the last year’s rotation. Belinelli shot 38.5 percent from 3-point range during the 2017-18 regular season while Ilyasova shot 36.1 percent from behind the arc. In the postseason, those numbers dipped as defense became a bigger focus for Philadelphia.

The Sixers’ 2018-19 rotation is certainly prepared for a stronger defensive effort. Philadelphia’s front office struck up a deal with the Denver Nuggets to acquire forward Wilson Chandler. Chandler is currently hobbled by a hamstring injury he suffered back in September and has yet to appear officially in a Sixers uniform. He’s a serviceable frontcourt option to have coming off the bench.

Mike Muscala is another acquisition via trade after spending four seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. He put up 7.6 points and 4.3 rebounds last season as mostly a reserve in 53 appearances. He’s struggled a bit with his shot, shooting 28.6 percent in preseason play, but it is just preseason. Credit it to Muscala adjusting to the quicker pace the Sixers play at.

First round draft choice Zhaire Smith suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot back in August and isn’t expected to return until Christmas time. Smith may not be the one to steal the show, though, as 26th selection Landry Shamet has shown why Philadelphia selected him. He’s put up 8.8 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game through four preseason appearances, turning in a defensive rating of 98.8. He’s a versatile 6’5″ guard that has the ability to knock down the 3-pointer as well as defend. He’ll be one rookie to keep an eye on, and T.J. McConnell should watch his back as well.

It could be very easy for anybody to get lost in Brett Brown’s rotation this year. He’s already made the bold move of adding second-year guard and former first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Markelle Fultz, to the starting lineup. J.J. Redick should take on his role off the bench well after finishing second on the team in scoring last season (17.1 points per game). A Sixth Man of the Year award could be in his future this season. The Philadelphia 76ers certainly have a formula for success going into 2018-19, now they’ll just need to perform at a higher level.