Philly Frills: 15/02/2021

The 76ers are flying right now. After having "mixed" results in the first 3 weeks, going 3-1, 3-1 and then 3-2 including losses to two of the highly touted West contenders, New Orleans and San Antonio, the 76ers were sitting 9-4 and not unhappy, but definitely with a few questions spinning around as ways to improve and get more out of their team. A line-up shuffle was in order. It looks like it worked. 4-0 in week 4 including defeating two East contenders, Detroit and Charlotte.

The big change was bringing Draymond Green off the bench. It had been noted just how little of the ball Green was getting as the starting PF. Of course, his major draw card is his ability to lock down and bother opposing offensive guys, but he is a floor general and if he's not getting the ball, he isn't being used to his full ability. A move to the bench means similar court time, but being put in roles to handle the ball and use his instincts.

With Green going to the bench, Al Horford was moved to the PF spot and Udoka Azubuike was reinstalled as the teams starting C. This, along with allowing DeMar DeRozan more freedom seems to have "unlocked" the teams all round potential. Azubuike is a big body and athletic inside man, Horford likes to step out and the dual ball handlers worked a treat.

Unfortunately, there's been an injury blow to Udoka Azubuike for week 5 and possibly longer, which puts pay to the line up that seems to have flipped a script and propelled the 76ers to the #1 spot in the East, but Boban Marjanovic will get a shot at being that beast down low. GM Nenjabin had been trying to keep Boban's high per minute production on the bench as a bit of a boost, but with the effectiveness of Horford at PF and Green off the bench, it makes sense to start the giant and see where that takes them.

Patrick Beverley is back too, but this is rumoured to be the final week in which he'll suit up for the 76ers, as the week 5 trade block is set to lift! Who else will be on the move?

- 76ers News.