While Ben Simmons is having an outstanding rookie year, and Joel Embiid is proving he was worth the wait from all of his injuries, the Sixers gave a massive 1-year, $23M contract to J.J. Redick, hoping to open things up by hitting deep shots. So far, that part of the plan has worked, and has covered up a lot of blemishes. The Sixers are 20-20, and hovering around that final playoff spot in the East. Redick suffered a left leg injury on Monday against the Raptors, and an MRI revealed that he had a bone edema and a small cortical crack in the fibular head of his left leg. He will be re-evaluated in 14 days, but in Sixers medical terms, that could mean a very long time. Redick, who is having the best year of his career, averaging 17.1 points per game, makes the team better. The team’s offensive rating drops from 110.5 to 101.5 when Redick is not on the floor, according to Basketball Reference.
Brett Brown’s offense is one that relies on spacing, and the shooting threat that Redick provides has created space for Simmons and Embiid to do what they do best in the paint. Redick was just one part of that formula. The other part was top draft pick Markelle Fultz asserting himself as a guy who could score from 3-levels, and Robert Covington, signed to a 4-year, $62M extension, providing a consistent threat from beyond the arc. RoCo has a higher shooting percentages from the 3-point line and FG% than his career stats this season, but has been inconsistent at best. Fultz has a well documented shoulder injury, that may or may not be healed. He also has been seen shooting with a completely different form that makes you question whether or not he’s got the yips, forgot how to shoot, or has an injury that isn’t even close to healing. Regardless, he’s not someone who could be counted on any time soon.
What’s left? Sixer fans were told they will be treated to Jerryd Bayless taking over the 2-guard spot. Bayless has been tough to watch at times this year, but has played better of late. He’s not much of a replacement at the 2-at least not for long. Brett Brown, who comes under fire at time for his rotations, really doesn’t have any other options. The bottom line is, if Covington can find a way to be more consistent, and Bayless can hit an open shot and avoid the head-scratching turnovers, Simmons and Embiid might be enough. The other mystery is Dario Saric, who averages just over 36% from the 3-point line, but never fears putting them up. There isn’t much else of NBA caliber left. If the Sixers can’t hit shots, it exposes a lot of problems.
Redick has been very good this year. He shoots about 41% from deep, and has a tendency to hit shots when the Sixers have gone into their late offensive lapses. This injury, if it lasts long, could have a profound impact on whether or not the Sixers make the playoffs, and could put pressure on GM Brian Colangelo to use future assets to improve the bench before the February 8th deadline.
