Philadelphia 76ers: Mike Scott announces his arrival

Having been given some additional playing time, new arrival Mike Scott is showing the Philadelphia 76ers just what he has to offer moving forward.

Right at the trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers made a very bold, game-changing transaction in acquiring forward Tobias Harris from the Los Angeles Clippers. While the Sixers were forced to part with multiple first round picks and a promising young player in rookie Landry Shamet, the move was viewed as demonstrating the extent to which the Sixers are all-in as it pertains to competing for a title this season.

An underrated aspect of the Harris move was the acquisition of forward Mike Scott. A 6’8″, highly competitive forward, Scott’s ability to stretch the floor and shoot from the perimeter appeared to be a great fit on paper alongside the existing talent on the Sixers’ roster. Thus far, it certainly has proved to be a very intelligent aspect of the Clippers transaction.

With All-Star center Joel Embiid sidelined recently by a knee injury, Scott has found himself with an increased role over the past two games in the frontcourt. The first performance came against the Portland Trail Blazers, when Scott posted 15 points and four rebounds in his 30 minutes. Despite Philly losing 130-115 at home, Scott recorded a team-best +5 during his time on the floor.

The next example of his importance to the team was during the Sixers’ 110-109 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Again without Embiid in the froncourt, Scott played 31 minutes and registered 12 points, two rebounds and two assists while being a +4 during his time on the floor.

The most notable aspect of his performances was his shooting from long range. Over the two games, the 30-year-old former product of Virginia shot 7-of-9 from 3-point range. However, this shouldn’t come as an enormous surprise, with Scott having shot at a 39.1 percent clip this season in 52 games with the Clippers, and at a 40.5 percent clip last season as a member of the Washington Wizards.

In addition to the skills he has to offer on the floor, it appears Scott has made a seamless fit off the floor and in the locker room, as Jimmy Butler recently explained:

"“Mike’s great, constantly smiling, cracking jokes, keeping it light-hearted around here, knowing that basketball is basketball, but having good people is going to trump any and everything. He’s always out there shooting and studying the game to be the best player he can be, and best teammate he can be.”"

Given the prevalence of the ball being in the hands of the likes of Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler and Embiid, Scott’s ability to make an impact of the ball is going to be pivotal moving forward for the Sixers. Over the past two games, 89 percent of Scott’s made field goals came via an assist from a teammate, including 100 percent of his made 3-point field goals.

So while his role will be reduced once the Sixers have a full complement of players available, head coach Brett Brown will be safe in the knowledge that he has a steady and proven asset in Scott to turn to when required.