The Philadelphia 76ers have been pretty inconsistent this season. We explore why they still might be missing their ‘missing piece.’
After losing to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the goal for the Philadelphia 76ers heading into the offseason was to find their missing piece. The player or two that was going to give Joel Embiid and this franchise the best chance at winning a title for the first time since 1983.
During the offseason, there was hope that the Sixers were delivering on that goal. After acquiring P.J. Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, Danuel House, and Montrezl Harrell, the Sixers had not only retooled their supporting cast but may have also found their missing pieces for a title.
However, through the first 25 games of the regular season, the results have been mixed for the new-look Sixers.
Even after squeezing out a victory over the equally inconsistent Los Angeles Lakers Friday night, the Sixers are just 13-12 and sitting in the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Aside from Joel Embiid’s constant offensive explosions on a nightly basis, the Sixers are more often than not lost on the offensive end of the floor. Ironically enough, it’s their top 5 ranked defense that has saved face for the team so far this season.
The Philadelphia 76ers may still be missing a piece
Something does seem to be still missing in Philadelphia. Mind you, it’s been a struggle over the last few weeks for the Sixers as they’ve had to deal with two key injuries. James Harden returned this past week after missing a few weeks of action and Tyrese Maxey remains out with a foot injury.
Still, even when the Sixers were completely healthy at the start of the season, they didn’t look like that contender that many penciled them in to be after the offseason. For better or worse, this is a front office that has some work to do ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.
With how impressive the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors have looked this season, the Sixers have some work to do. Not only do they still have some figuring out to do with their on-the-court play but they also must try and make the final touches on this roster.
It would be insanity if the front office didn’t try to upgrade the roster ahead of the stretch run. Even after all the moves from the offseason, the Sixers still have the look of a team that is missing their ‘missing piece.’