New Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey went absolutely wild this offseason, snatching up LeBron James after pulling the trigger on a Jaylen Brown blockbuster trade. But for real, the biggest question now is how head coach Nick Nurse is gonna use his totally revamped bench. Gansey’s already gotten props, and rightfully so, for those huge splashy moves, but don’t sleep on what he did to fortify that second unit. The starting five is locked in with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Brown, James, and Joel Embiid all set, so it’s all about the guys coming off the pine.
Who’s Stepping Up First For Philly?
You gotta figure Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons are the first ones off the bench, right? Based on their experience and when Gansey signed them, it just makes sense. Wade’s a guy Gansey helped find back when he was with the Cavaliers’ front office, so he knows him. Wade brings defensive versatility, makes good decisions on the floor, and can knock down a decent spot-up shot. Simons? Man, he’s arguably the best shooter on that roster, and he’ll give them some extra ball-handling and shot creation when the starters need a breather. It’s easy to picture both of them fitting right in alongside those big-name starters, keeping the energy up.
The Murky Waters of the Remaining Rotation
Alright, so Wade and Simons seem like the sixth and seventh men, but the rest of the bench is a complete mystery right now, with some serious battles brewing for minutes. One of the most intriguing competitions has to be for the chance to back up Embiid. Adem Bona is back for his third season after the Sixers drafted him in the second round in 2024. Then there’s Ariel Hukporti, a third-year big man Gansey signed away from the defending champion New York Knicks. Both guys are largely unproven, and it’s fair to say they’ve got their flaws. Can Bona fix his hands, improve his finishing, defensive rebounding, and cut down on the fouls enough to really make a defensive impact? Will Hukporti finally unlock that untapped potential he couldn’t show as the Knicks’ third-string big? Nurse is gonna need both of these guys to step up, or you gotta wonder if Gansey will be out there looking for a more proven Embiid backup closer to the deadline. Plus, keep an eye on the wing minutes; Justin Edwards, who also returns for his third season after signing a two-way deal as an undrafted player in 2024, will be in the mix. This rotation is far from settled, and those bench battles are gonna be intense!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Liberty Ballers.
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