P.J. Tucker only has three combined points in his last seven games, but he’s not concerned about a lack of offense, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Sixers won five of those games, even with their three best players missing time, and Tucker seems comfortable with his current role.
“As long as we’re winning, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “Of course you want to get more shots. What player doesn’t? But with the way we play — Coach (Doc Rivers) talks about a lack of ball movement all the time — it’s one of those things. Sometimes you get shots, sometimes you don’t. You keep playing and figure it out.”
Philadelphia obviously didn’t sign Tucker over the summer because of his scoring. It was his defensive presence and other intangibles that convinced the team to give him a three-year, $33.2MM contract. Still, Pompey states that his lack of involvement in the offense can be concerning. Tucker spends many possessions spotting up in the corner, and he’s often out of rhythm when he does get a chance to shoot.
“Sometimes you get shots,” Tucker said. “Sometimes you don’t. Sometimes the ball moves, sometimes it doesn’t. Without having (Joel Embiid), (the) ball’s got to pop. Ball’s got to move. Make easy shots for each other. It is what it is.”
There’s more on the Sixers:
- James Harden, who has been out of action since November 2 with a strained tendon in his right foot, may be ready to return in a few days, Pompey adds. “It’s different with James because James kind of controls the game,” Tucker said. “He gets everybody the ball. Without James, it’s tough — that’s why the ball has to move even more.”
- Shake Milton has made a strong case for rotation minutes once Harden and Tyrese Maxey are back on the court, according to Rich Hofmann of The Athletic. Milton has averaged 22.8 points and 6.8 rebounds over the past four games, along with 7.8 assists and only 2.5 turnovers. He’s also shooting .589/.500/.938 during that span. Hofmann notes that Milton was playing well before the stars were injured and shouldn’t be considered the team’s 11th man anymore.
- Paul Reed is learning to be more patient on offense and may be the choice for backup center minutes ahead of Montrezl Harrell once Embiid returns, Hofmann adds.
Milton, Reed, and Harris are playing great with the stars out. Can Rivers figure out how best to manage the minutes when they return?
This should show everyone whether he can actually coach or not
He’s been an nba head coach for 20+ yrs. If you don’t know by now that’s on u
How many championships has he won as a coach, without 4 all stars?
How many championships does lebron have without four all stars?
Doc can coach, sure, but we need to know if he can elevate the team. That remains unknown.
Knucklehead
Perhaps many of these teams are “better” without some of their “stars”. Philly has played with improved chemistry when missing “stars”.
Brooklyn was best when Kyrie and Ben Simmons were out. Chemistry was good. Guys actually played their roles.
The team has players some inspiring ball since losing Harden, Maxey and Embiid. The pace and hustle has been phenomenal. This time together should only elevate the bench play when the big 3 return.
Nice assessment.
They are in the secret trade talks playing mode. There are not enough minutes when the big three come back and know people will be calling to inquire about them.
Why would the Sixers make such a move during the season?
It’s not the sixers as much as the players know they can put a recent tape together and hawk their wares.
All three are in the eye of it all. They have stayed in the leauge, been on winnish enough teams, had their ups and downs and more.
There is nothing left. Someone’s will give them as well as other a 2 year 12 million contract and just turn them loose.
They are pro players at this point.
Trade Thybulle, House and 2 seconds for Jae Crowder
Line up
Maxey Harden Tucker Harris Embiid
Melton Milton Crowder Niang Reed
Korkmaz Harrell the back ups
Doc Rivers was a good coach for the Celtics with that all star team can’t take that away but that’s it. I kno it won’t happen cuz the nba blacklisted him from coaching Mark Jackson look at the warriors he made them just for them to get rid of him to give Steve Kerr a championship team already.
Depth is what every team wants and needs. Sixers will need depth if they expect to make a run for the East. Still think they could use a shooter.
Would you trade Furkan, Tysse, Springer and 29 top-20 protected 1st for:
A. Tsunami Papi
B. Josh Richardson (change 1st to a 2nd)
C. PJ Washington and DSJ (Dec 22nd)
D. Alec Burks
No