My 10 Begrudging Hard Sixers Truths for the Rest of this Season (And Probably Beyond)
Ugh… hey but at least... GO FUCKING BIRDS
1. Joel Embiid isn’t the guy
This hurt way less than I thought it would to write, but I think that’s mostly because a lot of Joel’s on-court (however small a sample that’s been this year) and off-court candor this year has been so damn bad and annoying. In simplest terms, Joel’s best chances of becoming who we all so desperately prayed he’d be, argued online, in-person, on television, and over radio airwaves incessantly was that he just needed the right pieces, the right health turn and he’d make us all truth tellers. Unfortunately that never panned out, and I’m as convinced as ever that the big fella’s best days as Sixers organization center of gravity are behind him.
2. Nick Nurse, eh
Nick Nurse is a championship-winning coach, has done great things. However, he’s failed quite badly to press the right buttons this season and to be perfectly honest, it’ll be a lot easier to kill the messenger than to upend (for the 1000th fucking time) a roster built around a guy who figures to miss more than 60% of the team’s regular season games. Will not be shocked at all if he’s given sweet mercy and relieved of his duties shortly after season end.
3. This roster is really old and unathletic
You could close your eyes and pick a year that this statement applies to and be correct. There’s so much to be pissed off about, but this for me is damn near close to No. 1. I’m sorry, there’s too many smart people in that building for no one to raise a hand and say, “How about we aim for guys who can play above the rim in a league where literally every other team has a guy like that from 1-5?”
4. Paul George just doesn’t give a fuck right now (and maybe never will!)
Can’t say I blame the guy, but once the podcasts uploaded vs points scored graphics start to hit people are going to raise an eyebrow.
5. There’s no easy fix
Just want to say it now before we get any crazy hopes. Refer back to point two, the easiest paint on the wall, which would be firing Nick Nurse and hoping a new message resonates with this group.
6. They are gutless, heartless and always shy away from the big moments and that’s an organizational thing
Pretty simple.
7. Big loser energy emanates from the Embiid/George/Nurse trio
Again, very simple.
8. Absolute worst season of all time, not even close
Again, you get where I’m going.
9. Jared McCain by far was/is this year’s biggest bright spot
10. Birds won the Bowl
Maybe it's time for Process 2.0. Do it again. Be curious what principles of the process are worth keeping. Mine be something like go young and stay young. Leave room on the roster to churn over D-Leaguers and uncover a gem or two. Remember the fun of discovering Covington? This time develop the young guys drafted. Don't assume you have to trade them all for a superstar. Don't draft guys that don't bother to truly compete on the college teams they're playing for. Err on the side of length and size so good to great defense comes for free. Don't sabotage a good defense by having too many short guards. Don't overplay guys too fast coming off injuries.