Philadelphia 76ers 2025-26 NBA Season Lookahead

Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
What is of Pelska's Onmdan Valley coming at you with
yet another twenty twenty five twenty twenty six NBA season
look ahead on to the Philadelphia seventy six Ers, which
means I'm super stoked to be joined by the one,
the only mister Brian took Borak. He covers the Sixers
for Liberty Ballers. You can also find his written work
at Forbes and fan Sided and he worked does fantastic

(00:27):
things behind the scenes and has helped me out of
many many pickles and improved many many of my articles
over at we Chirport because that works together for like
over a decade, We're getting pretty old. Follow him on
the socials at B to Pork. That's at bt OPO
r e K. This is gonna be a depressing podcast.
Let's starts with a fun question, how the heck are

(00:49):
you doing by?

Speaker 2 (00:50):
I am good, Thank you for having me as always Dan,
good to be back. I'm sorry I missed this last year.
I had just had my second child, or my wife
had just had my second child. Were knee deep in
the throes of newborndom. But he is now a little
after one years old, thirteen months now walking around the
house terrorizing us. So we are back in the podcast game.

(01:13):
And I gotta say, I saw you have the goat
Caitlin Cooper on for the Pacers Podge. I saw her
wrapping the hardwood knocks merch. Can't say I have the
hardware knockstrat on, but I do have some vintage NBA jam.
Oh yeah, I'm let's see for those watching the video,

(01:36):
Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. And please note Ben simmons
three point rating on this shirt is a big red
bar a zero, which really nearly summarizes my relationship with
the Philadelphia seventy six ers over the last ten plus years.

Speaker 1 (01:55):
What a shirt, What a mic drop to just begin
things beg you.

Speaker 2 (01:59):
Yeah, my wife got this for me after he got traded,
so I'm pretty sure it was just like a fifty
percent off deal. I see what she's doing, but I
don't know if she was intentionally trolling me because I
had lived through the Ben Simmons era and she just
thought I wanted to be reminded of it. But then
I did see the three point rating. I was like,
you know what, so this is actually good and I

(02:21):
have been stopped back when you lived in Baltimore. Someone
was stopping in the grocery store one time said he
loved the shirt. It's like, man, what could have been?
It's like, you know what's sir? You're absolutely right? What
a great profound question about this team? What could have?

Speaker 1 (02:36):
So it's equal parts catharicism and masochism corres what the
shirt represents. Nurse's really what following the six or? Is this?
I respect it, I respect a hell, I all your
wife even more now. And I think we all know
why the little one is being a terrorI it's because
you skipped to look ahead last year, and so I'm
happy that he is extracting retribution on our behalf. But

(02:59):
I am excited to talk to you about this team
because I don't know what to make of this team.
They are confusing as hell. Even if you bacon, or
even if you just exprecate the big variable, well let's
just say that they're going to be healthy. I still
don't necessarily understand what this team could be. But I
think we should start with the breaking news happened a
few hours before we began this podcast. My general question

(03:23):
to you is now that the Quentin Grimes situation has
been hashed out. How do you feel about how it
ended and how it ended up impacting just the Sixers'
overall offseason.

Speaker 2 (03:34):
Yeah, I mean, what a complete dud of a three
months drawn outside from this and you know what eight
hours before the qualifying offer deadline for him to just
take the qualifying offer. You know, I wrote a couple
of days ago that this would be kind of the
worst case scenario for all sides, and I just don't

(03:57):
really understand how we got here, you know, I think
based on the reporting that has come out really throughout
the whole process, like even dating back before free agency,
Remember Tony Jones of The Athletic reported he was going
to be looking for like twenty five million dollars a year,
which just you're not reading the market if you think

(04:19):
that was a realistic ask. I mean, that's just what
Josh Gitty got from the Chicago Bulls. And you know,
for the questions about the viable questions, I think about
Josh Giddy as a playoff performer, he just has a
much more established track record in the NBA. You know,
Quentin Grimes had a phenomenal run with the Sixers over
the twenty eight games that he played after the trade deadline,

(04:41):
but it was twenty eight games on a team that
was circling the drain that you know, and being I
think played five of those games Maxie and George it
was like nine to ten, so that many yeah, yeah,
well out of friends. But you know, he he played.
He put up big numbers in a role that he's
not going to play on a fully healthy Sixers team

(05:04):
or even you know, if he goes somewhere in the
summer of twenty twenty six and in a rain roll
on his next team, that I don't think he's the
number one option on a championship under by any means.
So I think his agent was being completely unrealistic. With
that said, if the reports are true about like you know,
the Sixers offering four years thirty nine million, which is

(05:26):
basically his qualifying offer over four years with eight percent
annual raises, or like the report came out today that
they offered him, like I think it was one hundred
thousand dollars more than his qualifying offer to wag to
waive the veto rights on his trade, and that's just insulting,
Like we just saw Nikolijovitch get four years sixty million
or sixty two million from the way, like Quinn, Grimes

(05:48):
is not going to settle for less than that. So
I think from the Sixers perspective right now, before before
they resigned Grimes, they were about like nine point eight
million below the first apron, they were like around twenty
two I think a little bit below twenty two below
the second apron. And if they wanted to preserve use

(06:12):
of the mid the tax payermid level, which is around
five point seven million, they use that, they're hardcapped to
the second apron. So you do the math, and like
a sixteen million dollars starting salary was probably the red
line that they weren't willing to cross. Now, you could
rightfully point out at this time of year, they're probably
not going to use the tax payer mid level exception.
There's no free agent on the market who was worth

(06:34):
that amount of money. And I'm sure they would push
back and say, ah, but wait, wait until let's see
what happens in the buyout market. Let's see what happens
midway through the season, to which I would respond, A,
you cannot use the tax payermid level exception as a
trade exception. You can only do that with the room
and the non taxpayer and b if you're over the
first apron, you can't sign guys on the buyout market

(06:56):
who were earning more than the non tax payermid level exception.
So if there is a mythic free agent out there
who is earning less than non tax payer mid level
that gets bought out and it's worth the tax payer
mid level exception, I will eat my words five months
from now until then, I do not think they're going
to use the tax payer mid level. So, you know,
could they have gone up to eighteen million, probably, but

(07:19):
there's you know, their their party line was, we want
to preserve long term flexibility. We're worried about how how
his deal is going to age. But you know, now
looking back, knowing that he takes the qualifying offer, they
could have paid Yabu. So congratulate, Yeah, getting Yabo for
even less, slightly less than the taxpayer emily. But you

(07:41):
know they would have they would have had room to
spare under the second apron if they had used the
taxpayer emily to keep Yabo and then Grimes took the
qualifying offer.

Speaker 1 (07:50):
Doesn't The implication of all this, though, make it seem
like their goal is just going to be duck the
tax entirely, which, as you noted, they are one Kelly
Uberdge junior war Quentin Grimes waving is implicit no tree
called away from making happen like that would be my
read of all this to where let's say, let's say
they knew that this is how it was going to end.
I'm not convinced that they would have tried to keep

(08:12):
kersh on you. I'll beseelly anyway.

Speaker 2 (08:14):
Yeah, correct, Yeah, I think they they love giving themselves
an escape hatch, and they find increasingly creative ways to like, oops,
we just managed to duct the tax. All we had
to do was spend two second round picks the dump
kJ Martin's contract, even though it was we had a
team option on it and we could have just declined it.
But yeah, so maybe this year they'll get picks back

(08:36):
with their tax ducking salary dump instead of giving picks up.
That would be a nice change of pace for them.
But yeah, I mean it seems like to me this
sends a signal them not using the tax pyramid level.
I understand, because you didn't want to do that first.
You don't want to hardcap yourself because then that does
give you know, the nets No, Okay, they can only

(08:58):
spend sixteen million on grind if we give him eighteen
million whatever nineteen twenty as a starting salary. We can
even structure it so it descends, but they can't match
it unless they salary domp somewhere else. So, like I
get it from that perspective, but now having seen how
things play out, it feels just like a vote of
no confidence in this group as a viable championship contender,

(09:24):
which is just a complete change of pace from how
they were going into last season. And it's you know,
I understand it given the health status of and B,
Paul George, even Jared McCain already suffered a thumb injury's
going to miss the first couple weeks of the season.
But like, look around the East and the opportunity is

(09:45):
arguably much more wide open than it was last season.
There's a world wherein this team could be a viable
playoff or even championship contender this year. So like it's
baffling that we're having the conversation of like they have
that in their range of outcomes, and then they also
have duck the tax at the trade deadline?

Speaker 1 (10:08):
What is does it make it us have a bigger
picture question? But does this make it more likely that
Quentin Grimes is on the Sixers fast February's deadline or
less likely that he's on the Sixers because the nuances
of Okay, maybe they want to get out of the tax,
but he has he can veto when he trade, and
his bird rights are not going to transfer if he

(10:28):
gets so I think that adds like an interesting complication here.
And so if I'm the Sixers, it's almost, oh, are
you're going to just end up if you want to
duck the tax? As Kelly Uber just the guy because
he can't stop you, right.

Speaker 2 (10:39):
Yeah, I think it almost has to be. I think
this does make it more likely that he stays the
whole year, because one would assume, I mean, I don't
know his agent have like some pie in the sky
dreams about the sign and trade materializing, which tells me
he just doesn't understand based of your compensation. And also like,
I don't really know that his agent is giving the

(11:00):
best advice here, so we should include that caveat. But
assuming he's getting good representation, the agent would say it
is in your best interest to decline any trade this
year so that the Sixers can maintain your bird rights.
If they want to resign your next summer, we can
put all hard feelings aside and if they give you
the biggest software, that's great, you stay with them. Otherwise

(11:21):
you go explore teams with cap space. But as you noted,
it's only going to be non bird rights that go
with him to any team that goes with that, any
team he gets traded to, so you know, is hit
the max starting salary can get with non bird rights
is in like the yeah, it's like it's not very high.
I mean, I think the four year totals around forty

(11:42):
five million, like way below.

Speaker 1 (11:44):
With the non least, you're going to be looking at
middle You're hoping for a non testair mid level exception.
Like if that's if that's what your non bird rights
are getting, you know, that's that deal. The other deal
is going to be more practive with a mid level exception.
So given all of this that you've just talked about,
what then is the Sixers' actual endgame entering into this season?

(12:05):
Because if this is a vote of no confidence in
their cores, a title contender, which by the way, is
fair because of the injuries to not just Jared McCain now,
but like, what is Joel Embiid? What is Paul George?
I understand it, But then what is the endgame? Because
you have these two aging stars that are on massive

(12:27):
contracts for at least the next three years on your roster,
and in theory, if you get lucky and Joel Embiid
is healthy, have you put yourself in the best position
to optimize a healthy Joel Embiid? And if the answer
is no, is the endgame you're hoping that you can
raid him? Because that doesn't seem one that seems far
fetched on so many levels. But I just I don't

(12:49):
if they're not trying to catch lightening in a bottle,
I guess is what I'm saying. I don't understand what
they're attempting to do here.

Speaker 2 (12:56):
Yeah, I don't either. I mean, I think that's a
very fair crutch of their approach. And frankly, going back
to the decision to go in on three max contracts
to begin with, you could argue the only way it's
going to work is if you basically flip a middle
finger to the second apron and you're just willing to
spend like it, you're gonna you're willing to spend whatever

(13:18):
it takes to resign it when Grimes, even if you
go over the second apron, then there will be a
lot of team building restrictions with that, or maybe you
don't go over, but you know, give them both twenty
million dollars and you're like, you're still not facing the
can't aggregate contracts, but still with the knickser dellery. Yeah,
exactly exactly, because I like, you're already trying to thread

(13:40):
the needle in this new team building model with a
three max star build, and if you're also then going
cheap on the supporting cast to the point where you're
not willing to resign the guy who averaged twenty two,
five and four for you over the final third of
the season, it's like, what are we doing here?

Speaker 1 (13:58):
You know?

Speaker 2 (13:58):
I will say last year they went into training camp
like they were very clearly focused on the big picture.
Remember they have the big the ESPN interview with Tim
Bontemps where Morty says, you know, we're focused on April
May in June and we're we're probably not going to
play embid and Paul George in back to backs many,

(14:21):
if at all, this year because we're just so laser
focused on the playoffs, they forgot that they needed to
make the playoffs first, which as it turned out, they
did not do even come close to it. So this year,
you know, one of the big running themes of media
day was basically, like, we're taking it day by day.
We know we have a lot to prove this year,
Like Nick Nurse said, like we've got to work our way.

Speaker 1 (14:43):
Back into the tournament.

Speaker 2 (14:45):
So they are they are clear eyed that nothing is
guaranteed for them this year, and it it sounds like
they are fully expecting Joel Embiid to miss some time
this year. Paul George is unclear if he's going to
be ready to start the season. So one of the
other running themes that they were discussing was.

Speaker 3 (15:02):
Like, you you need to have an identity and a
style that is you no matter who is playing on
a game to game basis, this is what you are
getting if you are playing the Philadelphia's Ebney Sixers, and what.

Speaker 2 (15:18):
That is is not entirely clear. They draft a couple hints.
I think we'll see it, you know, as soon as
this first preseason game, but probably not till really the
regular season. But I think that's kind of the big
storyline going into the years, Like what is this new
version of the Sixers that you know they are fully expecting.

(15:41):
I mean, this is really the first time in Joel
Embiid's career where they're going into a season not expecting
to be carried him by on both ends of the court.

Speaker 1 (15:50):
What do you think is then a realistic expectations for
Joelle Embiid, Maybe not even from a we need him
to be this, but like what is the franchise then
actually counting on from him? Is it X number of
games that would declare this as success or that they're
targeting At this point, you also just default to it
doesn't matter how much they manage him or try to
manage him, like he's not going to be at heat

(16:12):
form by the time the playoffs roll around anyway, Like
how is if this is how they're approaching because it's
almost like how the Pelicans at least previously tried to
approach their team build with Zion Is we want to
have this identity or is the ability to survive without him?
And if that is how you're approaching a build around
your ten pole star you've kind of already lost because
like the whole theory of that team should be we want,

(16:34):
we need to be at our peak when they are
on the floor, And so what are their expectations or
to you just like you're zoomed out, but he was like,
what are just their expectations and views around Joel embiide
right now?

Speaker 2 (16:44):
Moving forward? Yeah, I'm trying to find the exact quote
because Mariy specifically was asked, like, what are your expectations
about Joel Embiid And yeah, he said, we're not getting
into the expectations game. The doctor's advice what Joel said
on listening to his body, which is a big component
of how doctors managed injuries. So that's going to be
what carries the day of this year. And Joe said

(17:07):
the big quote that got earned the tention was I
want to be as honest or be honest as possible.
I think going forward just going to listen to the body.
I'll be honest and say that it's going to be
unpredictable at times and that's okay. We've got to work
with that. We got to take it day by day
and go from it. So again, I think they are
implying both Joe and Maury and you know, Maxi, Nick Nurse,

(17:28):
everyone basically saying like we are fully expecting Joel and
Bi to miss time. We don't know how much, we
don't know, you know. To me, that's saying, this is
just a chronic condition he's going to deal with for
the rest of his career. We'll never know the details
of it until he retires, if if we ever get it,
because that's just how they operate. But it sounds like

(17:49):
it's it's it's just something that he's going to have
to deal with. And so I don't think they're saying
we are hoping for him to play fifth sixty games
and thirty minutes a night. I think they're looking at
it as like whatever we get out of him as
a bonus, but we cannot count on him. I mean,
last year was the first time in his career that

(18:11):
he was not the leading scorer on the team, and
you know, I would be surprised, I think if he
was the leading scorer this year. I just think they're
going to try to especially early in the year. I
would imagine they're going to try to keep his minutes
relatively in check and make sure we don't deal with
kind of the up and down nature that we saw

(18:33):
last year with his knee, Like, let's make sure everything
is as good as it can be before we really
start to ramp up. More so, I think they are
they know that when Joe is on the floor, and
Maxi has said this as well, like when we're going
to have this style, but there are going to be
exceptions when Joe's on the floor, he's going to get

(18:54):
double team. Did that means we're going to play a
different way to some extent, but we still need to
have this central identity, which it seems to just be
like we're gonna play fast, We're gonna be physical, we're
gonna run up the floor. We're like, I think they're
gonna be a little more fast paced than they have
been in past years. At least that's what they've been

(19:14):
alluding to, because they're one of the slower paced teams
over the past two years under Nick Nurse, even when healthy,
Embid was never the fastest guy up or down the floor.
But now they have so many guards in the backcourt
that I think they're To me, it sounds like they're
trying to just become more of a backcourt centric and

(19:35):
backcourt led team with MB and Paul George as like
key supporting pillars, rather than we have built our team
around these two guys and we have these young guards
as the supporting test.

Speaker 1 (19:49):
So I guess I have a two hoole question here then, is,
even if you're usually not cut caveat to describe Jamal
Embiid and Paul George, do they have the personnel that
you believe? I know you mentioned that they're going to
lean into the guard, so they have the personnel to
play faster. I mean there's low hanging through where this
team could just get out in transition, like they've been
a load transition team for the most part for a while.
But do they have the personnel to do that? And

(20:11):
then two, how hard is that to maintain though where
you're not only talking about joellemb being in and out
of the lineup, but also Paul George being the same way,
and how much is he buying into a scaled down
role as part of all this? And then the other
thing is how do you sort of balance Quenton grives
it is now really going to be playing for his
next contract that he has no idea whether it's going

(20:31):
to come from the Sixers or or another team, Like
how hard does it get to like the variables of
the injuries. Okay, sure, but now just the variables of
this is the type of personnel we have at the
top of the roster versus also just like the circumstances
of oh, we have this a bunch of guys just
quitting drives like Helly Oubred, Junior Andre Drummond, even guys

(20:53):
who have to understand that on some level they are
placeholders here.

Speaker 2 (20:57):
Yeah, yeah, for sure. The other thing that caught my
eye from media day was Nurse was talking about just
the versatility that they have on the floor with all
of these different cards, and I'm trying to see he
specifically said, yeah, it should be able to keep energy
up with some shorter stints just because of their sheer numbers,

(21:21):
which was just so an anti Nick Nurse thing to say.
I mean, you know, early last season Tyrese Max, who
was playing like forty minutes a game when George and
Embiid were out of the lineup and they suffered a
hamstring injury, but even still like over the entire season
thirty seven point seven minutes per game back at his

(21:41):
Raptors' days. I mean, like you know, it was like
Fred van Vliet Siaka Ojiananobi were often three of the
top five or top ten if not top five in
the NBA and total minutes played or minutes per game played.
So he he's always kind of always got like the
Canadian TIBs moniker to him. But I think we saw

(22:03):
last year with the Thunder and with the Pacers in particular,
that you know, kind of youth and depth might be
ruling the day, especially in the regular season. I remember
in the exit interview, Morey was kind of saying, like
teams are just playing harder even in the regular season,
Like usually you saw that more in the playoffs and

(22:23):
they weren't playing as hard during the regular season. But
now perhaps because teams are moving away from the three
star model and like we have more just well rounded
rosters across the league, Like teams that lean into their
depth are fresher. And it sounds like the Sixers, at
least in theory, have internalized that. So I think they're

(22:46):
gonna kind of lean on that. And you know, going
back to your point about the personnel, like they're pretty
thin really at forward. It's Blubray, Yeah, Paul George, it's
Justin Edwards, I guess. And then Trendon Watford who they
signed this offseason, Like I think, uh Dominic Barlow and
Jubari Walker, who both of them are on two way deals,

(23:08):
Like I think they're they're gonna play real minutes for
this team. The impression I get as they are planning
on kind of leaning on their depth more than you
would expect Adam.

Speaker 1 (23:19):
A Nick Nurse team. Do you think when you're looking
at them having so many guards who aren't white wings
as how I would classify them in VJ. Edge, film
in Flint and Grimes, in Jared McCain and Tyrese MAXI
even in Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon being on this roster,
We're gonna see a lot of just like these are
stuper Like we're talking VJ edgecumb Measure three seems like

(23:41):
a default, but it's Oh Penton Grimes is like, are
we gonna see a ton of that? Or are they
gonna try and mitigate that maybe as much as possible.

Speaker 2 (23:48):
I think we're gonna see a lot of that. Yeah,
Nick Nurse specifically said and he could see VJ playing
the one or the three even said he could see
a four guard rotation at times, So yeah, I think
three guard lineups are gonna happen a lot. Would not
shock me if we even see some four guard looks,
which is like the the ideal that six Ers fans

(24:12):
have wanted to see you at Joel Embiid for years.
The platonic ideal is just Embiid with fourteen guards, and
we are so close. We are really the closest we've
ever been to that. So yeah, I think, you know,
like I was looking at rosters around the league last
year as soon as he said that, and you know,
the Pacers had Haliburt and Emhard Aaron E. Smith are

(24:34):
all listed at six'. Five The cavs won sixty four
games last, year Starting Darius garland who's six', One Donovan
mitchell who's six. Three Max struz was out part of the,
year BUT i think he started thirty seven games. Together
he's six.' Five the warriors, last year, you know, Six'
two stephen, Curry Sixty five moses, Moody Sixty five brandon pajemski,

(24:55):
Six To seven jimmy, Butler Sixty six straymont green that
was their starting lineup that, got the, playoffs.

Speaker 1 (25:01):
WHICH yes but i also look at you can point
to one or two guys on that team or on those, teams,
TO say oh i see them being able to defend
Bigger wings, or raymond's case like he can actually Hold
up AGAINST biggs when i look, at the sixers just
as like this is, a sloppy example but whom? Do
you trust like who is the? Best wing defender do
you trust the most to defend castlock wing Players OUT

(25:22):
of but i mean the Answer, is justin Edwards but
Between FLINT. And brod's vj edgecomb and like who Else You?
THROW paul george i guess you could throw into that
mix too when you look at, His advanced age AND
that's where i start, to, get like okay like what
are they supposed to do there defensively when you're looking
on the perimeter aside from just Over? Work justin EDWARDS.
Is it? Vj edgecomb's yet like who is who are

(25:43):
you trusting more? To defend wings? Out Of, That Troy Cuv, George, Edge,
COLEMAN roymes.

Speaker 2 (25:48):
YEAH i Think, i mean george as bad as he was,
offensively last year actually rated. Pretty well defensively so especially
if they're not putting as much of an offensive. LOAD on,
Him i mean father's, time is undefeated so we'll see what.
He looks like and he's coming off, a knee surgery
so certainly not bullish on him early. In the year

(26:09):
edgecomb it does sound like they've been very. Impressed so
far i'm sure there's gonna, be you know he was
saying his WELCOME to the nba moment was catching A Screen,
From Andre drummonds so i'm sure there's gonna be a
couple of those in the early going. To THE season
but i think that's what made him so Attractive to the,
sixers was, that you know he's got that defensive, Mentality

(26:32):
To him like maxie specifically. Called that out they just
like he's just a bulldog and he like really plays hard.
On EVERY possession so i think even if he doesn't have,
the you Know Like the jason, tatums went healthy Or
Like if lebron james is, playing, the three yeah they
don't really have the personnel to necessarily. Deal WITH that

(26:55):
and i think that's an area where if they Are,
healthy in, january you know in that Mix with The,
calves and knicks, potentially, as like oh this team actually
might be able to make some noise. IN the playoffs
i think that's the clear area that they would. Look
to upgrade but for, THE time being i think they're
kind of just gonna try to lean into their strengths

(27:17):
and if that means going more small ball and kind
of conceding that, as a, weakness you know they'll see what.
Other pressure points going small and having this many versatile
playmakers on the floor creates for the, for the, opponents and,
like you know if they you see more of the playoffs, where, it's,
like oh okay we we found one thing and we're

(27:37):
just gonna spam it over. And over again but you
don't see that as much in the regular season if
You're Not playing. Doc rivers team at.

Speaker 1 (27:43):
Least you wonder if they go downsize, that much though
does it make it? Harder, To Wear Okay paul george
crad's out really well, Defensively last season but when you
look at like the assignments he's on to where it's
like it's different going from, like all right You Go
defend miles Bridges Or a josh. Hard or somebody it's
just like easier to to send those, types of guys
and if you don't want him on like these sort
of power wings that are going to, control the offense

(28:05):
you'd rather See Him on andrew wiggins like or just
some like a wing. Of that Archetype And maybe andrew
wiggins might, Be A stretch so i'm curious if downsizing could.
Hurt THEM there but i wanted to ask You about
j edgecomb kind of a twofold question of y'all already
kind of. Mentioned the defense how big or a role
do you expect him to play out, Of the gate
and then is there anything else about his fit on

(28:27):
this roster that especially intrigues you or maybe even concerned you?

Speaker 2 (28:30):
In, YEAR one yeah i think this shooting is the swing.
Skill for him so if he, it seems, like you
know this is the time Of year that sixers fans
love to break down grainy footage, of you know still
frame shots or slowed down five second videos of shot
footage to see what a player's. Release looks like seems

(28:54):
like his released a little more in front of his
face and a little quicker than it was coming. Out
of college so, if that olds then if, you Know
what like i'm Not expecting a maxyes leap where not
really expected to be a great shooter coming, out of
college and then all of a sudden it was like
a forty percent. Shooter right away but if if he

(29:15):
is a neutral to positive, three point shooter that's going
to get him on the. Floor even, More you know
i'm very curious to see how how it plays out
because obviously McCain is going to miss the first couple
of weeks of the SEASON with, the ucl injury so
One would think maxy is locked in as the Starting

(29:35):
point and beid will be match.

Speaker 1 (29:37):
If, he wasn't yeah well.

Speaker 2 (29:39):
The no'm, saying, i'm Saying yeah Like maxi at beid
are locked, In When healthy paul george is locked. In
when healthy we'll see if he's starts the. Season or
not but that kind of leaves. Two spots open One
would think ubra would get, one of them And Maybe
if paul george misses the first a little bit, Of
the season ubery slides up. To the floor but, When

(30:02):
fully healthy i'm curious to See if It's edgecombe or
Grimes starting alongside, MAXE because, now i mean one of
the Many downsides of grimes taking this, qualifying offer, it
you know unless something drastically Changes between the sixers. And
his agent over the. Next nine months there was this

(30:23):
like massive gulf in where what he wanted And what
the sixers willing, to pay him and that kind of
sends the signal that this is probably your Last, year
in philly in Which case the sixers have more incentive
to work on The Development of edge foam and McCain
and Less. So WITH grime, so i wonder especially now

(30:46):
you know he not the training, camp is like so
the endl be all because it's two Days, for the sixers,
but you know the. Guys were, working they were like
most of them were in the facility for A, majority
Of september and grimes was not they because he was
still on. This CONTRACT dispute So i think edgecomb has
an early advantage in that. Regard over him we'll see

(31:10):
how things Play out whenever grimes does. Rejoin the, Team
but yeah i'm Not convinced that grimes is the starting
two guard to. Start, the season like it would not
totally shock me if, they just say You, know, what
edgephone like we need to see what we have in
This bj edge compkin and or maybe they start all, Three,
TOGETHER especially YEAH.

Speaker 1 (31:29):
I mean i think That would be i'm not saying you,
start all three But Really prioritizing edgecomb just this is
someone that you just used a top. Three pick on
if all you're saying about them wanting to kind of
establish an Identity Independent of Joelle Embian, and paul george
and they want that to be like, up the floor
like getting up and. Down the floor he's gonna give

(31:51):
you probably just based off his like he'll give you
more value, DEFENSIVELY against, wings i Think thanks fighting grimes.
At this point and the, other thing too is you
kind of mentioned this. AT the top i was looking
back at my summer league notes for, him JUST before
because i scoffed when you said like they could see
him playing the one in my, summer, league, notes like
oh like he's really calm and collected, on the ball
and he could work. On the ball it's the off

(32:12):
ball stuff, That is concerning like the jumper just. Never
pop there so like you just have more equity invested
in him, At this point so it would be weird,
not to prioritize like you'll have to go, Through growing,
pains i'm sure but you've kind of already telegraphed with
what you've, done this offseason the way You Handled the
lenton grinch situation specifically that to some degree you are

(32:34):
looking at the bigger picture and maybe aren't as invested in,
the overall results not even just, regular season wins but
the overall results. Of this season and so he's clearly
more important for that longer Term Baseline than quentin grinds
would be.

Speaker 2 (32:48):
At, this point right it's not like A full fledged warriors,
two Timeline model because maxi is kind of that bridge
where he's young enough that he could be part of,
that next generation but he is also good enough that if,
they You know IF george and nb do stay healthy,
and they surprised then like he's still going to be locked,
into that lineup and maybe They do prioritize grimes at

(33:11):
That point if edgecumb does have, some early struggles but,
AS you said i think they've invested enough in him
and they are kind of towing the line between like
if things continue to Go south with george and, MB's
health wise like we need to start looking ahead big
picture to whatever the next iteration of, this team is,
and you know barring, a complete disaster and or whatever

(33:36):
happens with. The aspiration, scandal you know this is probably
going to be the last top three Pick that the
sixers get, for a while so they need edgecumb To Really, hit.

Speaker 1 (33:47):
Jeremy king assuming that he's going to get and stay healthy.
At some point what is the area of his development
that you'll be tracking most? Closely, THIS year yeah i think.

Speaker 2 (33:57):
IT'S gotta, defense i mean that was. The big question
like he was so dynamic offensively as a playmaker, as
a shooter really took some Pressure. Off of, MAXIE you
Know i think max he really struggled early LAST season
when mbi especially was out on the floor and teams

(34:18):
could throw so much more defensive attention at him than he.
Was used to and having that secondary playmaker and mccainnon
on the floor was a godsend for him. In that,
REGARD and, like i, mean you know it's a, distant
memory now But, In mid december jared McCain looked like
the runaway. Favorite, when rookie yeah but the question was even,

(34:40):
at the time both of those guys are, six to
two can you play them together, or, if not like
is McCain just going to be a six man like
a really really good six man, For this team but
what does that mean for his, long term future especially
now in the CONTEXT Of the vj edgecump, Pick as
well like can those three guys play to? Together LONG

(35:01):
term so i think how, Really like uh maxy McCain
backcourt fairs defensively is, probably you know they have a
lot to sort out with. Those four guys grimes his
future obviously, beyond this year but, like big Picture can
our maxi, McCain compatible defensively i think kind of determines

(35:24):
where they go next in terms of where your two,
starting backcourt players assuming you you have a, more traditional lineup,
and you know is McCain going to be could he
be in that lineup or is he like destined to
be a six man on this team and does that
make him some very high end trade bait a year or?
Two from now is there an.

Speaker 1 (35:45):
Urgency to kind of figure that out sooner, rather than
later just because You do have maxie under contract and
mccainson be cost controlled for, another few years but you
still do have these veterans on The roster And embiid
and george and so it's you're not totally slow, playing
this thing and so don't you kind of want like
a real, Meaningful, glimpse toto well what does it look
like when these? Two play together and what would? Be

(36:07):
our ceiling or do they even not? HAVE the books i,
WOULD argue defensively i don't know if they have the
personnel to really get the best type Of, look at
well what does this look like if we view them
as the back course.

Speaker 2 (36:16):
Of, THE future YEAH i mean i. Think there is
there's probably More urgency with grimes just since he's up,
after this season whereas McCain you got two more years
before he. Becomes extension, eligible but like certainly you do
not Want to have jared McCain be your ninth man
and playing five minutes per game, off the Bench like
they whenever he is healthy, enough to play he, should

(36:39):
be playing and he should be. Playing a lot and
you should, be experimenting, with you know which, combinations of
Players Whether, It's maxie edgecombe Grimes and be george some
of the other guys in the roster are like who
does he? Work best with what archetypes of players is,
he compatible, with you know and how does that fit
with our bigger picture vision of how this roster is
moving forward.

Speaker 1 (37:00):
Over Your Impressions of justin edwards' season and his role
on this. TEAM moving forward i also will HAVE you
know i gave him a my LAST redraft that I
did because i redrafted the twenty TWENTY four class i
think three times throughout the. Season, last year sure he.
Came very Close At the, ALL star one i had,
him number fifteen and in my Final, ONE in april

(37:21):
i dropped him down to NUMBER twenty because i actually
THINK that he's i don't think he's going to, be
a star, to Be clear becau he's just a six
foot eight inch wing who understands how to, shoot AND
descend and i somehow feel like that when we're talking,
about younger players that we don't appreciate.

Speaker 2 (37:38):
That. Nearly, ENOUGH yeah, yeah i mean he was an absolute,
revelation for them and they got him on a very
affordable contract for the next. Couple of seasons so a
god send all around for a team, with you know
three very expensive contracts to find a rotation caliber wing
and it's even cheaper than a minimum, DEAL this year

(38:03):
i guess it's the One year, MIN so, YEAH i
mean i think, to your point like the fact that
they don't have a ton of Forward depth Behind ubray
and george means he's gonna have to. Play a lot
morey brought him up unprompted a lot at the end,
of last Season Him and adam, bona about, like you

(38:24):
know young guys who they see as kind of key
to this. ROSTER moving, FORWARD i mean i think he
Really Struggled in, summer league obviously not like some guys
it the format is just not for what. They're, GOOD
at like i Don't Know that justin edwards has got

(38:44):
like multi time. ALL start upside i think he is
just going to be a really. Good role player but
like you can carve out a ten year CAREER in
the nba just being A three and, D ROLE player
and i think, that's you know when he's surrounded by
stars and he's not drawing a ton of defensive attention
and just needs an knock down open shots, and defend
well he is more than capable. Of DOING that so
i think just seeing that with the fully healthy version. Of,

(39:07):
this team again they've got him under contract, for three
years so it's not like there's no urgency, to figure,
out you know do we need to resign this. Guy
next summer they've got, him locked in but you still want,
to figure out like can we rely on this guy
as a key wing? Piece moving forward and you know

(39:31):
we joked about the, tax dump earlier but like if
they do decide to go Tax Dump in kelly hubray,
at the Deadline Like is justin edwards ready for an?
Even bigger role at that.

Speaker 1 (39:40):
Point you mentioned a bunch of like the Different Bigs,
Before jabari Walker, trent and watford we'd like kind of
A Big there's, audrey drummons here they Have. A Den
bona nick nurse had said that there's just this open
Competition for non. Embid big minutes how from your, aspective
right now like who intrigues you? The most of and

(40:00):
do we also see the sixers maybe lean into more
of where we saw a lot of Yab we sell he,
at the five should we expect to see A Lot
of trenton wafford? At the five Maybe If even jabari
walker playing a? Ton of five do you think that's a,
look Without again without embid, on the court that you
see them.

Speaker 2 (40:15):
End, UP favoring yeah i mean in games where, embiid
doesn't play. IT'S certainly possible i think they had to
get really weird last year at the five because Not
only was embiid, so Banged up but drummond. Was as
well he missed a ton of time with, a toe
injury and even when, he came back he didn't look like.

(40:35):
His former self sounds like he's been full, go this
YEAR and so i think they'll probably be a little
more Traditional With just drummond bona In the, non embiid
games and Then obviously, when embid players you can y
very traditional. With THOSE three so i mean, of that
Group like und drummond is who he is. At this,

(40:56):
point you know he's in. His early thirties he's not
GOING to, suddenly i mean unless they have been hiding,
This FROM us like i don't think he's got like
A Late career brick lopez three point bomber. TURN in
him i think he's, just gonna, be you, know slow
footed pick, and roll defender but one of the best rebounders,

(41:18):
of his generation and you're gonna just live with. THOSE
trade Offs i think bona is the guy that they've
kind of been hyping up as he made some real.
Strides this summer you saw it a Little. BIT in
EuroBasket i think drumken said he added two inches to
his vertical, over the summer so he's gonna.

Speaker 1 (41:38):
Won't do that how do you just add two inches?
To your? Vertical is it i'm assuming it's easier than
just growing two inches Like derrif f. Liveley apparently did.

Speaker 2 (41:45):
You're you're telling me you don't add two inches to your.
Vert every, summer, come on man you got we. Just
got SOME.

Speaker 1 (41:50):
Last time i, CHECKED my vertical i think. It, WAS negative.

Speaker 2 (41:56):
Yeah. I don't know it's. A good question i don't,
think we uh they guess asked that, at media day but.
WELL we'll, see i mean he's, got the, youth the
springiness the EXPLOSIVENESS that, they've, i mean honestly Like, especially
under mary they've just churned it through, Like You, know DeAndre,
jordan All Millsap, the wayne deadman just like name a

(42:18):
washed thirty something and that has been their answer behind
embid for most of the. Past three years so it's.
NICE to, see I Mean like.

Speaker 1 (42:26):
Dodd gift is just sitting out there now all come
out of retirement right an they got an.

Speaker 2 (42:30):
Open, roster spot man now they got money. TO spend
too i mean that Was What made beeball paul, such
a revelation was like he was just this lightning bolt
of energy that they otherwise. Did NOT have And i
think bona's gonna function in. That same role so he's
another one where he's locked up cheap for another. Couple
of years and when you've got, these big, contracts you

(42:51):
know any any hits, you can find especially in, the
second round are worth their. Weight IN gold so i.
Think they are they're Certainly hoping that bona is Of
that ill so.

Speaker 1 (43:02):
What are sort of, the out like how do you
view the outlines? Of HIS game the I called, HIM
i was i don't CARE remember if i post on
social media, or wrote it but he reminds me of
Like A, healthy robert Williams But with mitchell robinson's kind. Of,
OFFENSIVE instincts.

Speaker 2 (43:18):
Okay. I like it. I, LIKE it yeah i mean.

Speaker 1 (43:20):
YOU'RE not, Well I mean mitchell robinson's offensive instincts are
a little but.

Speaker 2 (43:24):
Those aren't, Great, BUT right Yeah i mean bona's average
shot distance last year was two, point three feet so
did not.

Speaker 1 (43:32):
Was his a sistraight higher or? Lower? Than, this yeah?

Speaker 2 (43:37):
Sports what's? Out? Let's GO yeah so I mean you're,
i don't know we'll see like kind of what strides
he made last year because they didn't really ask a.
Ton of, him you know late, in the year he
actually did, show some flashes so, it, was like oh,
they you know they they. MIGHT have something i. Think,
It was yeah i'm trying to pull. It UP here, the,
i mean again this Is this. Is grimes territory so

(44:02):
we're playing out the string on a, completely lost season
but final nine games of the year in which they went,
one in eight so keep. That in mind but he,
had fifteen, points nine, rebounds three blocks and thirty one.
Minutes A game so, I don't, know i mean if
we if he used that to propel himself and that Carries,

(44:24):
over to EuroBasket and That, is played EuroBasket carries over
to year or TWO. IN the, Nba i mean drummond
made it sound like he's just kind of more confident in.
Himself all around he, just positioning wise news where he's.
SUPPOSED to, be i, think you know he's gonna jump
out of the gym as. A shot, blocker but yeah

(44:45):
you're probably not expecting a ton OF's offense beyond just
loobs and put back dunks. To the basket.

Speaker 1 (44:56):
She would Be another bell weather for how invested are
they in developing for the? Future, this season right BECAUSE what,
Is I know audre, drummond's traditionally huge but you should
be investing in Playing time in boda over him at
this point if you're trying to figure out what's What's
Next after joel embiid or during This Stage of joel
beat's career where he's playing who knows how much and,

(45:17):
even you know you mentioned their identity about wanting, to
Play fast like i'd probably. Rather, see, That okay Downsize
trent and wofford will give you grab and ghot stuff.
At the five you will, be woefully undersized but that
might just be, The case anyway and You've never been
they've always been a team that. Like should Have They,
have joel ebiid who's, just this behemoth and then you
look at their rebounding numbers and it's always just, kind,
of like, yeah like whatever so let's punt.

Speaker 2 (45:38):
On, that anyway yeah embad is he's always been a
good rebounder because he's bigger, than everyone else but he's
never been like a good rebounder in. TERMS of technique
i think he could learn A lot from drummond in That, regard,
WITH frankly like i don't want him to be in
those scrums, by THE basket So i don't i'm okay

(46:00):
with him sitting. It out there But like low ki
has not been a great rebounder or A great screener frankly.

Speaker 1 (46:09):
So, given the sixers, is financial situation The, Uncertainty surrounding Joelle.
Embiid and george what we've seen from them, this saw
season the approach they say they're taking. For this season
what is their potential or what would we view them
as again? Entering this year so much can play out based. On,

(46:29):
the results well what do we view them as in
a mid? Season transaction market is it we already mentioned
that they'll probably try, to duct attacks but is there
will go room to where if they're good that they
might want.

Speaker 2 (46:41):
To actually make an acquisition that makes.

Speaker 1 (46:43):
Them better or are they more likely to do something
nuclear with trying to get off longer term?

Speaker 2 (46:48):
Money THIS year, this i mean one would hope That
if All george and embiid are Healthy. IN mid january
i know there's a lot of Time between mid January,
and mid april, but you know if they get off
on a positive foot this year and they are in

(47:09):
the mix for one of the top few Seeds, in
the east given the state current State of the, east
right now and that they're probably never going to have
a runway, like this again one would hope they would
be willing. To be buyers because they've already ducked the
tax the last. Couple of years they've reset the clock
on the. Repeater attacks entirely there is not an issue
for them.

Speaker 1 (47:27):
Hanging the.

Speaker 2 (47:28):
BANNER hang, IT i mean i think like every year
that they do it radicalizes me. More and more, but
this year if, they did it That REALLY might like
i ALREADY wrote a i think TWELVE hundred word da
tribe last YEAR About the kJ MARTIN trade because i was.
Just so mad, it was like you are. Wasting this

(47:49):
contract you don't. Have any contracts you don't have any
of these like eight million dollar contracts that you can
trade and that you. Can get aggregate and so you
have this one that has. A team option you could.
Just decline it so the only effect is on your cap.
Sheet this year it has no bearing on your cap
sheet next year if you don't want it to and
you paid two second round picks to get off, of

(48:10):
that deal just speky gawn, of the tack even though
you already reset clock of the repeater at tacks. By
that point if they, do that again when, this is,
Like You know paul george is. Already thirty five When You,
signed paul, george you, figure you know the last two
years of the, contract could suck but at least we got.
These first two would take a real. Swing at it

(48:30):
last year obviously went to hell for a, Number of
reasons like this really could be their last best swing,
at this thing with. This BIG desity so i would
really sincerely hope that they are not automatically in duck.
The tax mode but given how they have operated over the,
LAST few Years i am I'm skeptical until i'm until. They,

(48:52):
Prove otherwise.

Speaker 1 (48:54):
Dude joelle And Being and paul george relative to team
friendliness the two worst CONTRACTS in the. NBA right now.

Speaker 2 (49:04):
I can't think. OF who's, worse I mean.

Speaker 1 (49:06):
Like bradley b obeing off the Books that bay claw
is just kind of fluttering into the wind, hurts For Sure.

Speaker 2 (49:11):
And jeremy grant would be the only other one that.
Comes to. Mind RIGHT away, but i mean just, YOU
know what.

Speaker 1 (49:16):
I would NOMINATE just because i think he's so useless
and the contract. Goes On Forever, Who patrick, williams.

Speaker 2 (49:24):
Oh, sure, Yeah yeah yeah.

Speaker 1 (49:26):
Like there are kindergarteners who are just being born that
will see the End Of this patrick williams contract that
he's got a, Player option, basically SO yeah but i think.
They MIGHT be AND i still i remember celebrating what they.
DID last OFFSEASON i think i gave him like an
eight plus plus plus on. THEIR offseason GRADES i still
i know he said this on me today that he

(49:47):
has basically twenty of high level basketball left. IN the
tank i kind Of Believe that paul george can still.
BE really GOOD i think i mentioned the words. SCALE
down before i think his game is one that can
be scaled down to make a, high level impact and
it'll just be a matter of will he. Be healthy enough,
and with him This isn't A joelle and bee situation

(50:08):
with a bunch of. These chronic injuries it does feel
like he's had like a lot of shoulder stuff maybe,
throughout his career but like he just has these injuries
that kind. Of crop UP and so i, really think
that and not that his contracts will suddenly become movable
if they wanted, it to be like they'll become. A
TRADE asset but i think that like sort of the
when we're looking at the twenty Five twenty six sixers

(50:28):
and wondering how good. They could be THE thing that
i just feel like we're not factoring in, enough is
Like What if paul george Is Not The Paul george
paul george or Anything close to Like What if paul
george is just seventy seventy five Percent Of the paul
George that the sixers thought, they were signing or fifty
percent more available than he, was last year which will

(50:48):
help their defense for. SURE at least i like a
lot of people Can't. Quit the sixers i'm kind of Out,
on THE sixers but I Can't quit paul george as
the basketball player.

Speaker 2 (50:58):
FOR some, Reason i mean i've. HAD this thought i
go back and forth A lot where i Feel like the,
sixers in general when expectations are high is when they
crap the, bed the hardest and then when there, are
zero expectations that's when they surprise and are actually. Better
THAN expected so i think because people are so low
on them this year just by virtue of how this,

(51:20):
thing goes historically like this will be one of. The,
UP years, yeah i Mean like obviously george missed off
last season effectively with just a. Variety of injuries it
was just so ineffective. When he played he says he's
feeling better than he, did last year and, he, also said,
like you know just. Having more comfort he's been in

(51:43):
the system for a year and knows, his teammates, better
like personally, is just settled like knows where his kids are,
going to school knows. Where he's, living you know these
are champagne problems for someone making two, hundred million, dollars but,
like you know it's still these, are people too oh
and like that much turmoil over a two or, Three

(52:03):
month span, LIKE you know i moved the last year with.
Two small kids. It really sucks but.

Speaker 1 (52:10):
Just, the thing is you make more than two. Hundred
MILLION dollars so i just can't ever.

Speaker 2 (52:14):
Thiz was here all all of my many helpers have
really he's. A transition, here BUT yeah, so I think
like i don't think he's going to be ready to.
Start the year at least he didn't make it, Sound that,
WAY but YEAH I mean i i think there's a
real chance that he has some semblance of a. BOUNCE back,
Year i mean morey, has basically said like we never

(52:37):
got To See the paul george We expected because embiid
was out of the, lineup so much and like we
didn't When We. Signed paul george we did not expect
him to be twenty Seven Year old paul george who can,
carry You Know the indiana pacers. The conference finals like
that player is. No longer there we thought he could
carry the team for ten minutes A game when embiid
was out, of the Lineup or when maxi's out of
the lineup or off the floor on. A given night

(53:00):
but like we put him in a position that. We
didn't anticipate so if mbad is healthy or even, if
he's not and they just lean into this four guard hydra.
THAT they have I Think, WITH paul george i mean
he's low ki been the third splash brother for most of.
The past decade like he's been one of the best

(53:22):
high volume SHOOTERS. In the nba how horrible you're, Shooting
last year but one would think we're going to get
some positive aggressions to. The Mean there so i'm cautiously optimistic,
about his outlook, but know, that, You know again i'm
not expecting him to play anywhere close to eighty two.
Minutes a game.

Speaker 1 (53:43):
What does A scale down i meant to Ask Some
for joel embiid look like at, the offensive end is
it just more pick and pop to where or is
that that you're, looking at all that he's? Taking more
jumpers is that? Necessarily good form but what does A
scale Down joel and.

Speaker 2 (53:55):
BEIID look like i think he was joking at some point.
During training, Camp He's like i'm i'm just gonna stay in.
The dunker spot everyone else can to go. Do THEIR
thing so i don't think that's. Actually gonna happen, BUT
you know i just don't think he necessarily needs to
be as involved in every action, or you know oftentimes

(54:16):
It was the sixers Offense Was with james harden, was
just run pick and roll with him and that if he,
gets double teamed to have him pass it out. To
whoever's open but like more, often than not possessions were.
RUNNING through him i know that they need to, As
much anymore like maybe maybe there is more of a

(54:37):
focus on him setting, good hard screens although that worries
me from a wear, and tear, standpoint but, like oh.

Speaker 1 (54:45):
Yeah THE point but, I you know i out. To
the Corner Kevin loves circa cleveland treat and we're.

Speaker 2 (54:52):
Right, Right exactly yeah, SO you know i think they
have enough firepower that he does not Need to be
we need to run this entire. Offense through him we
need to have him touch the ball. On every possession
they've got enough guys who can create. Shots without, him,
BUT yeah man i. Think you know that was the question,

(55:13):
he was asked was like are you willing to take
kind of a step back? And scale down and the
answer he gave was not entirely encouraging because he, BASICALLY
was like i don't really know how. To do That
like when i'm, On the floor i'm. ON the floor
i just want to play as hard. As they, can
it's like, that's that's great but we also want you
to stay on The, Floor through April. May and june

(55:37):
and they.

Speaker 1 (55:38):
Also and it's not people like an effort saying it
would be more of an Adaptability thing towards they're not
asking you. To half asset they're asking you not to
have a usage rate like finish forty percent of our
offensive possessions when you're off the pool, and.

Speaker 2 (55:51):
Right exactly yeah.

Speaker 1 (55:53):
Are you ready to enter the cookie cutter slash. Lightning
round portion, let's, Do it asked?

Speaker 2 (55:58):
Let's do it Looking at.

Speaker 1 (56:00):
The philadelphia seventy six, ers on paper what is their
single biggest, need to you? Aside from, healthy joel ebiid please.
Don't cop out you say, that new ownership.

Speaker 2 (56:15):
And you said it with, A straight face. SO cut,
off i mean we've talked about the tax cut it but,
LIKE you know i think even In this second apron era,
where a teams Even People's richest steve baumer are blocking
it going, into that territory but there's still there's still

(56:35):
a window Between Tax And second apron and if you're
not willing to play in that window or sign some
unconventional or sorry arrange some, unconventional endorsement deals then you're
you're gonna be behind the eight ball compared to some of.
These other contenders so you.

Speaker 1 (56:53):
Think that this might have more to do with ownership
than Just, after extending joel like things have gone so
poorly since They still to Joelle Embiide inside paul george
that they've just decided, we're not investing like this core is.
OBSOLETE to us.

Speaker 2 (57:07):
I think there have just been some running themes That Pre,
Eight Darryl Murray nick, nurse doc rivers like throughout their
entire this going back to the start of, the process
era like there's been one constant and It's not. Even
joel embiid so it just leads.

Speaker 1 (57:27):
You, to thought, hey dam, McDaniels either simple, you know
what he would have absolutely ruled in.

Speaker 2 (57:33):
TWENTY twenty five, i still. BELIEVE thank you.

Speaker 1 (57:36):
I believe too we're on. The same page there is
there anything, about, this, team, storyline, development law strength whatever
that's flying under the radar that you believe deserves more of. A,
NATIONAL spotlight.

Speaker 2 (57:50):
YEAH i mean i think it's like the the offseason
moves that they made This Summer non. QUENTIN grimes division
i Think the Trendon Watford get Jabaria Walker and dominic barlow,
on two ways like obviously not splashy moves compared to
some of the other stuff that, happened this, YEAR but
again i think those guys are going to play meaningful

(58:11):
roles and it kind of fit into this larger vision
of we want, to get, younger more, dynamic more. ATHLETIC
more versatile i think those guys could play a sneaky big.
Role in that you did.

Speaker 1 (58:23):
Warm my heart before you said That You think dominic
barlow is going.

Speaker 2 (58:25):
To play big i'm A Big. Dumb. DOMINIC barlow apparently
i was talking To People at liberty, BALLERS to Say
I guess nick nurse has been singing his praises, at
training camp.

Speaker 1 (58:35):
And we all know that that is definitely like a
prelude of what. Is to come, all the time coach. Is,
NEVER alive okay i know this is going to be,
hard for you but, take a moment pose your eyes
and envision the sixer. Are fully healthy what does a
ten man? Rotation look like who are the five starters
and who are your five? Most, years, preserves yes.

Speaker 2 (58:59):
YEAH that's, interesting, i mean honestly it sounds like the
starters are, going to vary possibly on a game, to
game basis even. When, THEY'RE healthy like, I don't know
nurse made it sound like he wants to be. Adaptable
this year so like if they're playing a, three guard
team it would not shock me if they just match

(59:22):
and go with three guards in their starting. LINEUP as
well i, think generally speaking if everyone stayed healthy for
forty or all of, The two Games, Maxi Edgeco oubray
george embiid. Are The starters McCain grimes are the two

(59:44):
key guys. Off the bench drummond it's the, main backup
center although one Would hope that bonus applants him at some.
Point this year justinwards is the key wing. Off the
Bench and, THEN watford, Apparently i mean nurse sounds Very,
high on Watford and then maury chimed, in And said

(01:00:05):
like nurse has been trying to get him on the sixers,
for a while said he's been a good fit. For
A while SO i Think i think nurse has a
soft Spot. FOR trendon watford i.

Speaker 1 (01:00:14):
Think if they want to be able, to like Push
especially after lodve dribbles like he would be. Someone who
plays those are the ten place even if you don't
believe in. The starting, lineup, being said so those are
the ten players for WHAT is worth i. Have jotted,
down it's like if these were going to be the,
MOST used, guys i think given what you've said, ON
this podcast I would rather bona be one Of them
than drummond at this point because it doesn't Seem like
the sixers are overleaked concerned with being. URGENT this year

(01:00:38):
i GUESS which is i kind, of understand it but
it also is kind of a. Bummer either way i'd
like to See hopefully maybe bona is the one that
we got wrong collectively. On, That front yes so Let's
say the sixers are trying to win again and. THEY'RE
fully healthy i know this will also, be matchup dependent
but what should be their go to closing the crunch
time lineup that sees The, MOST.

Speaker 2 (01:00:59):
Run yeah i mean it Depends on how edgecomb looks
early in the Year and how. Uber's shot is because
he was off and. ON last year i think he
will be the one spot that's up for grabs other
than like the. Two guard spot so it would not

(01:01:19):
shock me if they do A, Three Guard Maxy Grime's,
edgecomb george embi and that's making a lot Of assumptions
about edgecomb hitting the Ground running about grime's hard feelings
toward the organization not carrying over. To the floor so
McCain could be, In that mix ubray could be. IN

(01:01:41):
that mix i think those are the seven, in some
capacity and it's really just pick And, Shoot, Between grimes
edgecombe Ubray McCain alongside. Max george embiid i'd like.

Speaker 1 (01:01:54):
That should follow be? The right answer is there? A
weirdo lineup you Want To see nick nurse? Try? This year?

Speaker 2 (01:02:00):
YEAH hell yeah i want to? See, four guards man
let's see all FOUR. Guards and empi, we have been,
this has been this dream has dangled in front of
our face. For so long let's. Just see it it's
probably not gonna work because You're Gonna Have edge comer.
Grimes guarding forwards that that feels like a. Recipe for
disaster but all four of those guys could fly up

(01:02:22):
and down the floor and it could just be a
really fun. Change of, pace you know you're not doing
that as you're starting lineup, By any means but if
you're going against like a bench heavy reserve unit and
those guys can come in and just wreak. Havoc for
it and you know what If if it's bona instead
of emb all the better because those guys could. Fly,

(01:02:43):
Even more.

Speaker 1 (01:02:45):
Oh i'll pitot a little BIT and say i Want
to see Bona Watch for Paul george justin edwards and THEN.
Give me Vj edge, comut.

Speaker 2 (01:02:54):
Yeah yeah just reak all sorts. Of, defensive havoc yeah.

Speaker 1 (01:03:00):
LIKE defensive versatility i don't know what, the you Got
Like if paul george is healthy like that someone WHO
Could score vj edgecombes can do stuff for my notes
anyway on, the ball apparently and forgot about when you
sent him, AT point guard i like scoffed and then it's,
my note said like him on the ball. Look Pretty
good so watford do the grab. AND go stuff i
don't know if you trust now with all, of those
guys who's the best one to set up bona or

(01:03:21):
like in. That on offense so that can get. A
little iffy but these are. Weird o lineups that's. WHY
they're there i do have a follow up question, for, You,
then though okay which lineup configuration sees more? Time This
year four Guards or? The big three and is that?
A good question.

Speaker 2 (01:03:41):
One Would hope the big three man things. Went really
south if it Is the four guards and More Than,
the big three.

Speaker 1 (01:03:49):
Well That's a good that means it's. A bad question then,
if it's that if that's far a departure. From one
another that means it's.

Speaker 2 (01:03:53):
A bad, question, it's NOT though because i mean we
saw Last Year the big three played like one hundred
and ninety, three minutes together so. That a lot Can We,
ask tom tibodeau can we?

Speaker 1 (01:04:04):
Call him, up he's like that's one game's WORTH it
before i force you to make a. Couple of predictions
is there anything else anyone else? About this team we
haven't discussed who or that you think deserves more.

Speaker 2 (01:04:18):
OF a conversation i would just Like To congratulate kyle
lowry on his. PLAYER coach role i do not expect him,
to play much, if at, all this year, AND you
know i know he's doing some BROADCASTING work For i believe,
amazon this year. WHICH is exciting i think it's. Gonna
be Great like he's i'm excited to see the next step.

(01:04:40):
OF his career i think he is a valuable mentor
for these young guys in particular to just soak up.
And BE around and i think going into the season
with fourteen players, on standard contracts two Of Whom are
Kyle Lowry, and eric gordon worries me. A little bit

(01:05:01):
given the HEALTH State of mb George and, now jared
McCain which AMONG the reasons i expect the two way
guys to play. A fair, BIT.

Speaker 1 (01:05:13):
But.

Speaker 2 (01:05:13):
Yes i would i'm Very Happy for kyle lowry that
he's gonna end his career in his, hometown and, then
you know be be a good locker room presence for
a team that then has desperately needed one.

Speaker 1 (01:05:27):
FOR a While I, love KYLE lowry. SO i would
i feel all that it's kind of funny that he's
gonna like sign the deal to like has, a side
hustle whereas all these a lot of, These other players okay,
they have podcasts but like they're not GOING on broadcast
tv until their, seasons, are Over right toyl, lowry's, JUST
like oh i might be late, To THE game like
i got TO Do.

Speaker 2 (01:05:45):
THIS nbc, Sports i mean draymond is dabbled in uh,
MID season, too i, think so, right all right well.

Speaker 1 (01:05:55):
He's not, good At it so kyle lower will probably Be.

Speaker 2 (01:05:57):
Good At yeah i'm i'm, Very in general i'm. Excited
for this this new Broadcast game of amazon has assembled
like an a TEAM of people i think are actually
being really good At this With blake and dirk and
They do d wade's. Doing SOMETHING too if, I remember correctly, I,
Believe so yeah, I'M you know i forget which, one

(01:06:21):
it was but one, of, them said like we want
to bring positivity BEST back. TO nba broadcast, i was
like what do?

Speaker 1 (01:06:27):
You?

Speaker 2 (01:06:27):
Mean better wait when did we have this? At any
point but if, That's the case, I'm YOU know.

Speaker 1 (01:06:34):
I'M i guess i grew up, in THE nineties so
i don't remember what that quote unquote dish discourse was
like then we're studio shows just different. At that point
was it more just like newsy stating box score facts
and moving on rather than giving? Opinions, AND takes yeah i.

Speaker 2 (01:06:52):
GENUINELY don't, remember I MEAN. Like steven a smith has
broken my brain to an UNPRECEDENTED degree that i don't.
Have memories of, BUT you know i see IT, for
the NFL like how ESPN covers the nfl is so
radically different than how THEY cover THE nba that i
have hope that other networks have taken note of this,
and they're like, you know what let's actually just promote

(01:07:14):
the game positively and focused, on you know.

Speaker 1 (01:07:18):
Which can BE done with i understand a lot, Of
the tactical so why did not expect this to? Have
JUST that but i understand a lot of the tactical
stuff is TOUGHER because the nba game moves faster and there.
Are more, games but minimum the positivity is just that
he should be. Easy to implement is to just get
people who appreciate and like you still see it IS that's,
been i Know People hate reggie miller on broad and

(01:07:41):
test the actually still likes the, game of basketball and
maybe the bar has been sent. A little bit i.
Actively appreciate that and SO whether it's i agree with his,
opinions or not like just having someone who feels like
they appreciate the product that they're watching and everything that gets.
Put into it we just we that's the that's, the
bare minimum and like we can't. Even meet that hopefully

(01:08:03):
we have now with the way that the, new stuff
is the new PARTNERSHIPS or the tv deal. Is set,
up he, says the uh someone who was contracted by
the company. That, lost that.

Speaker 2 (01:08:18):
Yeah so our shots at any former, broadcasters of course
just just Talking. About krat ontz SO.

Speaker 1 (01:08:24):
This is i think this is the hardest team to ask.
This question for but where how many games do you
have them winning this year and where do you see
them landing in the larger Context. Of the east, you
factor in you have, to factor everything the, prospect, of. Trades,
INJURIES everything.

Speaker 2 (01:08:39):
Yeah I mean paul george said last year, was rock
bottom and it feels like he was tempting, fate With,
that like buddy there's always lower. With this team but
we'll assume last year was. Indeed rock bottom i'm CAUTIOUSLY
optimistic and i think they're over under set in, The

(01:08:59):
low forties like it wouldn't shock me if they FINISH
over so i could easily see them winning forty, five
to fifty making it as a top sixty in the,
in THE playoffs do i think they make a? Past? Second.
Round probably not that just, is you know you're at
that point you are you need All, Three of George

(01:09:22):
embiid and maxi to be also just be weird.

Speaker 1 (01:09:24):
To see the sixers in. The conference, finals you know
let'll just be awkward for everybody and long than.

Speaker 2 (01:09:29):
Just be funny if this was the, year happened Though
like It that's, What i'm saying like this is this,
is dangerous?

Speaker 1 (01:09:34):
Though too right would they read into it and then
do something just so unbelievably love like we made It
to the yeah we got swept four Oh by the,
calves or somebody but. We made it so now we're.
Gonna triple down.

Speaker 2 (01:09:45):
Now here's the blank, Check, you wanted quentin. We were
wrong here's twenty five. Million a year they're OUT.

Speaker 1 (01:09:50):
There trained Vj Edgecombe, for kawhi Leonard.

Speaker 2 (01:09:53):
That is kawhi leonard. On men deal, by that point
as this, CONTRACT avoided you.

Speaker 1 (01:10:01):
I don't again you could argue that that Would do
the clippers a favor unless still count against their.

Speaker 2 (01:10:05):
Their, cab feet yeah.

Speaker 1 (01:10:07):
So are, there any teams like good teams who are
supposed to be good Teams in the east that You
think the sixers actually match up? Particularly well Against.

Speaker 2 (01:10:18):
Are the bucks supposed? To be good, johannest plus dudes.

Speaker 1 (01:10:21):
Assuming like he will NO longer have covid and can
remember his conversations with the coaching staff about. The, game
plan yeah it's went, pretty.

Speaker 2 (01:10:29):
Good historically and be It His own miles turner and
Any Team With kevin porter junior as it's starting Point
Guard and kyle guzma as a starting player in its
rotation potentially.

Speaker 1 (01:10:43):
Their second option and if, it's Not Him It's. Kevin
PORTER junior.

Speaker 2 (01:10:48):
So i eagerly, anticipate that MATCHUP especially, BECAUSE i mean
i don't know if there's a ton of hard FEELINGS from,
what i mean most of the guys who or on
The team when dot was here gone at. This point anyway,
but you know it wouldn't Shock me if maxie still
harbors a little bit of resentment for that that brief

(01:11:09):
stint on the bench that he supposedly came up with.
The IDEA for so i could see him wanting to
have a few extra special revenge Games. Against THE bucks
and i mean we'll See like, The cavs again like
they are relatively, small as well so this is at least,
in the backcourt so, that's, where this yeah three or

(01:11:33):
four card lineup. HAS a chance i think it would
be a tough matchup in the front court with you
KNOW who's Guarding mobilei like embiid Presumably, drops a drummond
but they. Don't have anyone like do You See some
bona embiid Lineups. TO counter mobile i think that. Would Be, fun,
the knicks no just, keep me away keep me that

(01:11:57):
series was just too. PHYSICAL years ago i want no.
PART of It I know ted, tims isn't there but
stay away soil.

Speaker 1 (01:12:06):
The. CONFERENCE finals please i want to see regular SEASON
contact obviousely i want to see Them, play the rockets
but they don't adjust their rotation at all because they'll
be so tiny in Comparison to the rockets when they're
one of The Lineup where abence oms is just. The
SMALLEST player but i think it Would, Be, his, Derek
yeah yeah i'm. Here, For, It YEAH ryandporak can i

(01:12:28):
Get one additional sixers prediction from you for? This coming
season it could be whatever. You, Would like.

Speaker 2 (01:12:36):
Yes my prediction is that they flirt with trading the
Twenty twenty eight flippers pick absolutely. Up the wall if
there is no way you could pry that pick from
my cold dead HANDS until the nba has ruled on

(01:12:57):
aspiration one way. Or the other what would?

Speaker 1 (01:13:02):
There's no like what would be? A real like what
is the bar for returning asset or player that would
make you think about doing? It right, now let's say
but we're before, you could say we know the investigation
is going to Last Through the, all star bricks so
past the. Trained deb on so what is the Type
of plane you're not trading it For.

Speaker 2 (01:13:18):
Like, a tarsan, No, NO way Okay, i love tari don't.
GET me wrong i would love Him, on the sixers
but especially now that he's set to get. PAID next
summer i, mean they're Like that's the clippers have a
completely blank slate in twenty twenty seven as of Now
other than dumatch and a couple guys on their, rookie

(01:13:40):
scale deals and that pick is in, Twenty twenty, EIGHT
and YEAH i mean I would just i would have,
to see, it you know if They like put kawhi's
kapit on the books through twenty twenty seven and they
could like recoup some of the money that He, Got,
from aspiration like there's. JUST no way i think that
the disaster her Potential for the clippers is so high

(01:14:02):
that it would have to, be a true a, True
difference maker like If It was paul george and the
twenty twenty eight pick for a younger star who's on, a, cheaper,
contract MAYBE like but.

Speaker 1 (01:14:21):
I own the lowry MARKET and yeah, i werean younger
that was the name that thank you ALL knowing that.

Speaker 2 (01:14:25):
I would do i Don't think that LOWRY'S the bar
i think it would have to be, Higher Than that
like i'd rather Just eat, the george contract and. HE is, that,
i mean look it might, not work, out you know
it might end up being a mid to late, first
round pick but, it's fully unprotected like it has, Some
jackpot upside.

Speaker 1 (01:14:46):
So that's not I'm, TRYING to yeah i don't even
see like a good beam that, would be uh a
metal ball doesn't make any? Sense, For, YOU there yeah
i got it is. A crown jewel i'm just trying
to take a good player, that, would try like could
it make you think about moving? It right now that's
not too outside. Their own possibility and then also a
lot of the ones that are springing to mind for
me are, just big men and that's not what you're gonna. Be,

(01:15:08):
looking For Yeah, Here.

Speaker 2 (01:15:11):
Jimmy butler paul george and The Pick For. Jimmy butler
pete really, IT'S mate said i, wouldn't, Do it like
i'd rather again just eat eat. The, EXTRA year no
i think for an aging star that. MAKES total sense i.
WOULDN'T do that i wouldn't.

Speaker 1 (01:15:24):
Do that either what About Still big Anthony Davis par
Anthony davis.

Speaker 2 (01:15:28):
With joel, embiid oh yeah just what they need another Injury.
Pro big man. That sounds GREAT what about i don't
know why?

Speaker 1 (01:15:36):
They were tripped memphis Tears It, DOWN Jared jackson junr
is that?

Speaker 2 (01:15:39):
Are? YOU thinking no i mean you want another? Wing
if anything AND that Like I just Tray Murphy. In,
new orleans okay. Now, We're, TALKING okay now i don't
think they're.

Speaker 1 (01:15:51):
GONNA trade him i think he's might like the single
most important player in the building.

Speaker 2 (01:15:54):
Where one would, hope, but, yeah yeah.

Speaker 1 (01:15:57):
Okay what What if the knicks DECIDE TO. Posit O
g does og still do? It for you Or You want?
Michel bridges back you guys can kind OF complete. The,
fi fold mike you'll finally.

Speaker 2 (01:16:07):
Suit up the return The Return. OF micheale, bridges, I
honestly well I Would love, mcal bridges, BACK but no
i would not not until. We add clarity once, we
have clarity that pick might be, up for grabs but
not until we know this Scope Of what adam silver
is about to do.

Speaker 1 (01:16:26):
To That, team mister taporak this was, Fantastic as always
welcome back To the. LOOK ahead series i love talking
hoops with you and talking to. You in general can
you just tell our audience where they can find you
in all the great work, that you do.

Speaker 2 (01:16:39):
For sure for Sixer Stuff on LIBERTY Dollars. At eSPI
nation i'm also doing some, stuff for sports mostly, salary
cap stuff some sixer stuff, there as well and then fan,
sided as well doing ALL sorts. Of nba coverage they're
gonna after we get off here to be Righting About

(01:17:00):
some quentin grimes and Then Questioning why bradley beal is
Locked into the clippers, Starting lineup already so that's that.

Speaker 1 (01:17:09):
He's gonna be he's gonna be an, elite defender again
does emphasis? On again.

Speaker 2 (01:17:15):
Right all of those times he, WAS before that i
definitely remember very clearly. In, my, head Yes, yes so
dan thank you as always. For having me it's always
a good to catch, up with. You my friend keep up.
The great work you're still a sickoh for doing every single,
Team like this but one day you will see the
light and realize sweet not the way to get ahead.

Speaker 1 (01:17:37):
In, This industry, NO i'm, gonna, I think honestly i'm
gonna stop watching, games this year for though PEOPLE don't
think i, Watched Them anyway and i'm just gonna see
where that maybe this is THE year that i end up,
on you know broadcast television or something.

Speaker 2 (01:17:48):
At that point so is there not some that can
just summarize? Games for us how what are? We doing
here You know what i'm?

Speaker 1 (01:17:54):
Really UPSET about and i. MADE a note i was
supposed to introduce this As the, thunder buddies podcast BECAUSE
you and i both like that we were Gonna start.
A thunder podcast this was gonna stick. Of their rebuild
yes that everyone was. Gonna last forever and so now
we have this running joke that we're Just. Gonna do
thunder we're gonna pivot all The way. To thunder counting
we didn't make that joke once until almost the hours.
Twenty Minute mark so i'm doing, dozens of. PEOPLE maybe

(01:18:16):
hundreds i think we've kept hundreds, through the end but that.

Speaker 2 (01:18:19):
Might be it i'm just happy. We were vindicated, but
You know the eagles won a. Championship this Year my
beloved thunder won a. Championship This year the sixers can't.
Hurt Me anymore the thunder gain.

Speaker 1 (01:18:30):
Me some teflon i'm gonnaculated against, a little Bit But
seeing saquon barkley as A this Is i'm. A Giants
Fan see saquon FLEET ranked by nfl dot. Com or
whatever it was the best PLAYER in the nfl was
just He Won the, super bowl too And it's. Freaking
giants man he used to be. A proper organization i don't.

Speaker 2 (01:18:47):
Know what end but on, the bright side he's uh
after his eventful offseason has not been nearly as, good
this Year So the super bowl. Kurs lives on I'll.

Speaker 1 (01:18:58):
Pretend to I'LL pretend like i, knew that ALRIGHT as
if I followed the. Nfl, REALLY instantly yeah i knew
that some feeling pretty. Good about it but, thank you
again right as you, Know by now i'll be testing
you again. Down the line i'll talk.

Speaker 2 (01:19:08):
To you soon

Speaker 1 (01:19:10):
M

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