I guess in general
My bookie loving me this week

Does blocking shots from Laurie Markannen (2x), Koby White (4x), Thad Young, Zach LaVine, and Wendell Carter Jr constitute guarding guys 1 through 5?

Gobert followed those comments up by adding 9 blocks last night.

People who are good at something let other people know. People who are great, others let them know.

Gobert winning it again.

In a vacuum, steals > blocks any day of the week. Automatic turnover and change of possession versus blocking a shot which often times just goes out of bounds (still remains with the opposing team) or gets recovered by the opposing team.

With that said, Gobert is an impressive shot blocker. One dimensional, isn't going to guard the opposing teams best player every night like Simmons does, but he protects the rim well. He also doesn't defend the P&R particularly well because he's not very quick on his feet and is useless on the perimeter.



In any debate about defensive value when comparing a guard to a big man, the big man wins because rim protection and anchoring the paint to stop easy buckets is key. However Simmons is pretty much a big man and a guard, at 6'10'' playing elite defense and regularly guarding any player on the floor (regularly plays center for stretches with no problem). In modern NBA that is invaluable and what players need to be able to do, be versatile and be able to switch onto anyone.

This post was edited by Sixers on Mar 23 2021 11:57am

Don't make me pull out the defensive stats

Pull them

Defensive Player Of The year should go to the best defender who can guard the best player on the other team no matter what position they play. Unlike Gobert, Simmons can switch onto anyone and there are no matchups he can't handle.

Gobert is disruptive as fuck in the paint because he's so damn long (inb4) but he's not the all-around defender that Simmons is. They gotta reward Simmons for the work he's doing this season on top players from opposing teams.



This post was edited by Sixers on Mar 23 2021 01:01pm

Should the Sixers make a trade before the deadline?

Personally, I am not so sure they could win it all as currently constructed. Nets probably still better, and whoever comes out of the West. And Vegas doesn't like our chances either.

Kyle Lowry, Wayne Ellington, George Hill are some names being thrown around

Brogdon is available, would think he’d be a great fit but not cheap

Not unless it's a good deal. No need to get desperate or make a crazy move if it's not truly a beneficial deal at a good price. They're rolling as it is, if it isn't broken don't fix it.

Playoffs is when defense and physical play become a huge factor, and the Sixers thrive in both of those areas. This year they've got a real coach and actual shooters too. As long as everyone is healthy I'll happily ride with this bunch and see what happens. Embiid being healthy is obviously the key as usual.

Off-season will have flexibility to make additions or make moves.

Really good player. I'd like him but the cost is probably brutal

I agree. I think if it's the right deal, affordable, then make a move.

But don't go mortgaging promising young players or premium picks