Projecting the Sixers Roster

After years of “tanking” (it was refreshing to finally hear a 76ers player admit that at last week’s “Media Day”), Philadelphia is finally looking to put together a solid—and competitive—roster for the upcoming NBA season.

With training camp now underway, a crowded, yet very talented, field of players are participating at the team’s pre-season workouts at its Camden facility with some very tough roster decisions looming for the Sixers front office.

Here is a breakdown of the players currently in camp, along with predictions as far as who makes the Opening Day roster when the 76ers take on the Wizards in Washington on national television on October 18th.

ROSTER LOCKS
Amir Johnson
Dario Saric
J.J. Redick
Markelle Fultz
Joel Embiid
Ben Simmons
Robert Covington

Aside from your projected superstars/starters of Fultz, Simmons and, if healthy, Embiid, free agent addition JJ Redick will garnish major minutes as a guy who must force opposing team’s defense to spread the floor with his long range shooting ability. Johnson, another off-season signee, will be a much-needed veteran presence upfront in a crowded arena of big men, even if Embiid is ready to go for the Season Opener. Covington’s defensive ability and versatility (he can play as well as defend both the #3 and #4 spots with anyone on the roster) make him assured of a roster spot and significant minutes regardless of who else makes the team.

For more on Embiid’s health and both Fultz and Simmons discussing sharing time at the point guard position, check out last week’s “4-for-4 Video” in our previous blog entry.

ROSTER PROBABLES
T.J. McConnell
Richard Holmes
Justin Anderson

McConnell has often been referred to as the “heart and soul” of this organization by team President Bryan Colangelo and others with the team, but T. J. figures to lose major minutes assuming Simmons and Fultz are healthy. However, McConnell and Holmes are tireless, blue collar guys this team needs and will shine when given even a limited opportunity to help the team.

Anderson might surprise some people after he was acquired by the 76ers later last season. However, he has been one of the most visible and hard working players around the practice facility and seems determined to prove that he belongs in this cast of talented players. I think he finds a niche helping the team out as a backup off-guard/small forward backup.

ROSTER QUESTIONALBLES
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
Nik Stauskas
Kris Humphries
Emeka Okafor

Luwawu-Cabarrot really impressed people who follow the team down the stretch run of that season. It remains to be seen if the quality of the competition (and the fact they played a lot of other teams with little to play for) mis-calibrated his evaluation—a strong training camp could prove people wrong. Stauskas may still have a role on this team as a wing but also will have to really impress Head Coach Brett Brown with a strong performance the next two weeks.

Okafor’s chances of making the team could dramatically improve if there’s any setbacks to Embiid…otherwise, he could make the roster as another veteran presence. Humphries’ non-guaranteed signing is intriguing, because the Sixers could use a “Stretch 4” to go along with Saric, and if Humphries continues to shoot the three with some proficiency, he could be that power forward/veteran the team sought for all offseason.

ROSTER DOUBTFULS
Jacob Pullen
Jerryd Bayless
Jahlil Okafor
James McAdoo
James Blackmon Jr.
Furkan Korkmaz

A couple of these guys could/will go to play for the Sixers’ D-League to start the year. Others will be hard pressed to find any openings in the roster, combined with the team’s youth movement and a core of veterans added to the club this off-season.

Bayless came into last year as a guy expected to be a major contributor by running the team’s offense while paving the way and serving as a role model for young players. However, his injury killed his 2016-17 campaign and there’s really no place for him now to find a spot with this organization as is.

Okafor has shown himself to be a true professional in the way he has handled some trying times with the team, after so much fanfare when he was selected with the overall number one pick. The Sixers owe it to him to find a place for him to play and to not keep him on the shelf, collecting even more dust, while trying to outwait a potential trading partner.

What do you think of my projections? Anyone you think should be higher/lower on the list? Just how good do you think Embiid, Simmons and Fultz can be? Email your opinions to rcnsportstalk@rcn.com and tune into this Thursday’s “SportsTalk” show for more 76ers player interviews and discussions on a variety of different sports topics.