Getting Back to the Sixers: 15 Days Until the Season Opener

We haven’t been talking much about the Sixers since the off-season jubilation has died down.  We’ve focused mainly on the Phillies who have had us holding our breath before we cheer for them in the NLCS. And to a lesser degree the struggling Eagles.  But we are only 15 days away from the first real Sixers game of the season so it’s time to start pumping out more Sixers posts and talking Philly hoops.

What Worries You the Most About the Sixers Going Into The Season?

The question is clear.  What are some of the things that worry you going into the season?  What could derail what looks like the best 76er team we’ve had in a long time?  This off-season most of the focus has really only been about all the great moves during the Summer, the expected improvement of our young guys will make and dreams of an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

I’ve addressed a couple of the Sixers’ weaknesses going into the season, but here are the top 3 concerns running through my head…

1. Maurice Cheeks.  Is he the in-game manager we want and need him to be? I have no issues with his leadership ability and the way he handles players.  They respect him and generally really like coach Cheeks.  But the lack of adjustments made in the playoffs last year scares the crap out of me even more this season.  He has more talent to work with which means more substitution decisions and game management.  Will he recognize the mismatches both for and against the Sixers and make the RIGHT adjustment in time to take advantage of it and minimize any negative effect?  I just don’t know.
2. Will the defense be as good as we all think it can be? The Sixers ranks in the NBA: 4th in steals,12th in blocks, 6th in rebound differential and 5th in turnover differential.  BUT they were only 20th in field goal percentage defense.  How is that going to change this season?  Brand will add two more blocks per game and a few more contested shots at the rim from the power forward position.  But is that enough?  Teams shot 46.13% against the Sixers, 10th best in the Eastern Conference.  We can’t rise to the ranks of the elite allowing teams to shoot that well against us.  Fundamentally guys need to be better keeping their man in front and relentless in the contesting of shots.  Those two things are directly related to effort.  Defensive rotations and help will take time and coaching.  But the two things Boston did extremely well was contest every shot and never give up on a play when a guy was beat.  The Sixers need to do that consistently from the first tap.
3. Offensive chemistry.  How long will it to take for the starting unit to start clicking? This was one of my weaknesses in part one of Sixers preview, and I think it is worth noting again.  It’s not just integrating Elton Brand into the offense.  It’s also how Thaddeus Young fits in the offense as the small forward.  Will there be set plays for him this year?  I really look for Young to attack the offensive boards from the weak side when Brand has the ball in the post.  What does Iguodala do on offense now when plays aren’t run for him?  He hasn’t played with a inside scorer that commands a double team before.  That increases the importance of him moving without the ball, something I didn’t think he did well last season.

What do you think?  What are you worried about going into this season for the Sixers?