Despite the Philadelphia 76ers' respectable 7-5 start to the season, there are several concerns surrounding the team's health and overall performance. With a lack of certainty looming over the squad, the 24-58 campaign from last year still casts a shadow on their recent form.
One major issue is the Sixers' inability to avoid some avoidable losses, including Friday's defeat at the hands of a depleted Detroit Pistons team. While Tyrese Maxey has been off the floor in several games, the team's backup point guard duties have struggled to replicate his level of success, with Quentin Grimes and VJ Edgecombe failing to make an impact when sharing these responsibilities.
Grimes' turnovers are a significant problem, as evident from the recent games. With 5-4 turnovers in each of his last three appearances against Boston and Cleveland, he's struggling to find consistency on the court. His role is likely best suited as a secondary option on the perimeter, but due to Embiid's frequent absences and the lack of other ball-handlers on the roster, Grimes has been thrust into being an essential piece of the team's point guard puzzle.
Justin Edwards, on the other hand, has shown significant growth since his rookie season. His ability to make quick decisions and shoot spot-up threes with confidence was evident in his recent performances against Boston and Detroit. With a renewed sense of confidence, Edwards is now making prudent judgments as well, turning the ball over less often.
However, if Kelly Oubre Jr. misses any time due to his left knee hyperextension, Paul George's return would be crucial for the team. The slow recovery process has been a concern for many fans, but George's presence on the court would significantly improve the Sixers' defensive capabilities. Edwards becomes an even more essential player in this scenario, as his defensive range and ability to chase guards down make him an ideal substitute.
In any case, Grimes' turnovers cannot be ignored, and finding ways to utilize him effectively will be crucial for the team's success. With a flawed roster that's closer to being good than expected but still has its share of problems, the Sixers have some real cause for concern as they move forward into their next game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
One major issue is the Sixers' inability to avoid some avoidable losses, including Friday's defeat at the hands of a depleted Detroit Pistons team. While Tyrese Maxey has been off the floor in several games, the team's backup point guard duties have struggled to replicate his level of success, with Quentin Grimes and VJ Edgecombe failing to make an impact when sharing these responsibilities.
Grimes' turnovers are a significant problem, as evident from the recent games. With 5-4 turnovers in each of his last three appearances against Boston and Cleveland, he's struggling to find consistency on the court. His role is likely best suited as a secondary option on the perimeter, but due to Embiid's frequent absences and the lack of other ball-handlers on the roster, Grimes has been thrust into being an essential piece of the team's point guard puzzle.
Justin Edwards, on the other hand, has shown significant growth since his rookie season. His ability to make quick decisions and shoot spot-up threes with confidence was evident in his recent performances against Boston and Detroit. With a renewed sense of confidence, Edwards is now making prudent judgments as well, turning the ball over less often.
However, if Kelly Oubre Jr. misses any time due to his left knee hyperextension, Paul George's return would be crucial for the team. The slow recovery process has been a concern for many fans, but George's presence on the court would significantly improve the Sixers' defensive capabilities. Edwards becomes an even more essential player in this scenario, as his defensive range and ability to chase guards down make him an ideal substitute.
In any case, Grimes' turnovers cannot be ignored, and finding ways to utilize him effectively will be crucial for the team's success. With a flawed roster that's closer to being good than expected but still has its share of problems, the Sixers have some real cause for concern as they move forward into their next game against the Los Angeles Clippers.