JJ Redick says Sixers need deep playoff run to avoid major changes
The playoffs are right around the corner in the NBA and the Philadelphia 76ers are facing a lot of pressure to produce and go deep in the postseason in 2023. They made their moves in the offseason that they believed would put them in the right position to get over the hump and reach the mountaintop.
The Sixers have a lot of really good pieces to get it done. Joel Embiid is in the middle of another MVP-type season, James Harden is on his way to leading the league in assists and he’s playing at a high level, and they have a strong supporting cast led by Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris.
Philadelphia has fallen in Round 2 of the playoffs in four of the past five seasons and it appears that the clock is ticking on Embiid and the Sixers to get it done. That is why it appears that there is a lot riding on this upcoming playoff run. Especially, with the possibility of Harden opting out this summer, Embiid’s injury history, and coach Doc Rivers’ recent playoff history.
Former Sixers guard JJ Redick hopped on ESPN’s First Take and he says the Sixers need a deep postseason run to avoid major changes in the offseason:
This will be an inflection point this playoff run, this offseason with the Philadelphia 76ers…Doc Rivers is one of a few coaches that have blown a 3-1 series lead. He’s the only one to do it multiple times, he’s done it three times. There’s been points in time in James Harden’s career, he’s certainly had some great series, where he has gone away the last couple games and not played to his standard and Joel Embiid! His injuries that you brought up. All these things, if they don’t get to at least the Eastern Conference finals, I think there is probably going to be some changes. This won’t be the same core group of people that come back next year in Philly if they don’t reach the conference finals.
Redick has a great point. Philadelphia needs a deep playoff run. They went out in the offseason and brought in PJ Tucker on a 3-year $33 million to add toughness and the intangibles needed to get the job done. The Sixers are now in their best position to go deep into the postseason and finally end their 40-year drought. It’s on them now to get the job done.
