The Sixers’ story remains the same right now as it did heading into last season: a talented roster with flawed chemistry and some work to do should they aim to advance far in the playoffs. Here’s the Philly Voice:
While Doc Rivers brings credibility to the coach’s chair and front office changes should help out a beleaguered front office, they still have the same fundamental problems that caused them to unravel last season. The Al Horford problem is still waiting to be solved, and while Tobias Harris played his best basketball under Rivers in L.A., he did so in an ecosystem where he was the focal point, surrounded by excellent spacing he’ll likely never see here.
Another critical factor — the further we get into the careers of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, the less likely it seems either player is poised for a leap from talented All-Star to a title-winning leader. Embiid regressed on several fronts last season, openly unhappy with how the team had changed around him, and while Simmons’ defensive progress is hard to argue, his offensive shortcomings continue to hang over the team, with no significant change in sight.
New head coach Rivers has some compelling challenges ahead of him.
