Sixers Season Review

[Marcos_Beck]

The Philadelphia 76ers have been eliminated from the playoffs in the first round after losing 4 straight games to the Detroit Pistons, league’s #1 seed and so far the favorite to win the ring this season. With no more games to play until next October, the Sixers now focus on the draft, which they own no picks right now, and also free agency.

Last offseason, the team selected Marcos Louzada Silva (by dealing two future first rounders) and Ibrahima Fall Faye (with their own pick) in the draft, while also retaining Bam Adebayo during free agency and swapping Jawun Evans for Svi Mkhailiuk and an extra first rounder in a minor deal. The idea was to boost it’s bench for the new year while keeping the starting group intact, so it would bring better balance to the roster. Progression from Brian Bowen during training camp also brought hopes of a good season for the franchise, but that didn’t really happen.

Actually, the start of the season was ROUGH. With already 20 losses and only 16 wins at the beginning of January, Philly made a bold move and traded for Dante Exum, one of the league’s former stars, who lost a bit of his groove with the engine transition. Adebayo, always seen as a strange fit next to Wagner, was the biggest player heading the other way, with bench stopper Michael Gbnije and a first being added. Caleb Swanigan, acquired from the Pelicans two seasons ago, was included in a swap with Jordan Bell to complete the framework of our biggest deal this season.

Quickly, Philly found it’s groove, specially when Exum started coming off the bench, and won 13 straight games to position themselves for a likely postseason birth. In the process, they lost Louzada to a devastating injury that will keep him sidelined until early November, but their rookie’s play was so inconsistent it kind of helped overall to replace Louzada’s production with a more experienced, steadier player.

Following the fantastic win streak, they made yet another blockbuster by sending Exum to the Clippers for 3&D specialist Mikal Bridges. While Exum’s contributions and overall greater talent were important for the win streak, there were concerns about the Sixers’ financials after this season, as well as specialists pointing out that Exum would turn 32 and expect to start declining next season, while Philly’s roster wasn’t exactly ready for a championship run. The younger and cheaper Bridges should be a much better fit to their offensive system moving forward. They also acquired Kendrick Nunn for a future first with the New Orleans Pelicans, bringing more shooting, ball handling and defense to the backcourt.

They went on to play .500 ball in February, March and April, all the way to finishing 8th in the East, right behind Boston for 7th, but also right above Indiana who got left out despite a very positive record. Philly ended the season 46-36, and got swept against the Pistons, even though they managed to keep all 4 games in very close range, and missed point guard Lonzo Ball for the first three contests.

Overall, it was a good-not-great season for the 76ers. A bad start to the season made their goal to make the playoffs and build from that, and they did it. Now, it’s time to look forward, and prepare for the offseason. Bridges is a restricted free agent and they’ll definitely bring him back. Jamal Murray could be on the move this time (or not), and Philly always loves to trade into the draft. Marcos will, as usual, work to improve an already solid roster, and with the return of Louzada, development of the youth and endurance boosts to Bowen and Nunn, they expect to be ready for bigger steps next season.

[Flaming Homer]

Indeed a up and down season. After last season late push I thought the team may be a strong contender already this year. But if you look at the age of your core player it makes sense that they have some up and downs.
Trading Exum was the right move (even if I'm still the biggest Exum fan), but Mikal just fits the long term outlook of this team much better.

I'm sure you will be able to add some value during the off-season and the youngster are also still developing. The talent is clearly there!

[Ramcus]

You guys had a really impressive 2nd half of the season. Mikal Bridges is the BEST low volume 3&D wing in the league, giving your team the balance it desperately needed. Your team should be elite next season, with the growth of Fall Faye and MLS. I wonder if you can speed up the pace of your offense next season, you guys were in the bottom half of shots attempted per game this year.

[bt]

Yeah I didn't really like the Exum trade but have to admit, you guys took off with Bridges. Goes to show how important fit can be when building a team.

Should be a fun off season for the Sixers. I can see Marcos wheeling and dealing all off season.

[Stockton12]

losing yourself and ball didnt help your season and detroit is a juggernaut ..good luck in the off season

[Flaming Homer]

Yeah I didn't really like the Exum trade but have to admit, you guys took off with Bridges. Goes to show how important fit can be when building a team.

Should be a fun off season for the Sixers. I can see Marcos wheeling and dealing all off season.

Was this epic win streak with Exum or with Bridges?
I thought with Exum?

[bt]

Oh yeah, you're right haha. Now I even remember criticising the trade because they just had a great run up to that point

[Flaming Homer]

[mgtr81]

A talented roster already. 46 wins in the East is pretty good. Bowen and Nunn will have their endurance boosts next season, so that will help to take the next step.

[cb4raptorscb4]

Murray had an off year from an efficiency perspective, both in the regular season and playoffs. Hopefully he bounces back next year to propel you guys (if still around)

[Andrewu91]

You have a lot of talented players. But no franchise player. I feel like you should package a few for that 1 guy

[Jestor]

You've got a young core. I'm sure you'll do Marcos things and revamp the roster again, but you're in perfectly fine shape if you stand pat IMO. Wait for the kids to grow/get their boosts.

[blackice]

I think you did well to not completely flip the team and you are building around Lonzo and company. I definitely see a few trades this offseason, I'd be surprised if Jamal Murray is still on the roster next season. Anyway you did well to make the playoffs in a tough East and the future is bright in Philly.

[hardenwithnod]

This team went on a nice 2nd half run, and on paper is a very talented team. I expect you to make a few moves, and become a legit contender next season.