Checking in on the one’s that got away
Sometimes in life, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s got. Thankfully, that hasn’t been an issue this season for the 76ers. After trying and failing to #RunItBack this offseason, the Sixers find themselves in better standings than ever.
Despite all the improvements, it’s fair to wonder about the one’s that got away. Farewells are hard and once someone is one of our guys, they’re one of our guys for life.
It’s never a good idea to look up your exes, but seeing as Sixers have one of the best records in basketball, we can make an exception. Here’s how some familiar faces are doing in their new places:
Jimmy Butler
3 games: 14.7 points, 7.3 assists, 7.0 total rebounds 39% FG/30% 3/65% FT
After taking his talents – and $142 million – to South Beach, Butler seemed like he was ready to spend the rest of his days playing dominos with some Spanish uncles. Through the first six games of the season however, that’s been anything but the case.
Butler currently finds himself leading an upstart group of surprising, young whippersnappers in a wide open Eastern Conference. Although he missed the first three games of the season with left foot injury, the Heat sit second in the East with a 5-1 record and lead the league in net rating (10.3). He was instrumental in their record-setting win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday and currently averages an absurd 4.3 steals per game.
Retirement looks pretty good on Mr. James Butler
JJ Redick
6 games: 10.3 points, 1.7 assists, 1.7 total rebounds 39% FG/40% 3/78% FT
Before the season, Redick warned #1 overall pick, Zion Williamson about messing with his playoff appearance streak. He should’ve told himself and the rest of his teammates the same thing.
The New Orleans Pelicans started the season winless through their first four games while Redick shot 35% (10/28) from three. Offense hasn’t been an issue for the Pelicans, who average 118.3 points per game, fourth best in all of basketball. Defensively however, they’ve been abysmal. Their 113.8 defensive rating is third worst in the league and I don’t expect Redick to help that number anytime soon.
JJ is probably feeling a little nervous about his playoff streak.
TJ McConnell
6 games: 3.5 points, 4.0 assists, 2.3 total rebounds 32% FG/0% 3/100% FT
The Pacers have been decimated by injuries this season and McConnell has served as a beneficiary. He signed a two-year $7M deal in the offseason to operate as the third point guard and push second year guard, Aaron Holiday. Through six games, TJ has served as Malcolm Brogdon’s primary backup while Holiday gets caught up after starting the year injured.
McConnell is averaging 15 minutes a night off the bench and has operated well as a floor general. He’s averaging a career-high 9.4 assists per 36 minutes. The 3-3 Pacers have looked very middle of the pack this season while they deal with injuries. Things seem like they may get worse before they get better, but that could only mean more minutes for TJ, which is never a bad thing.
Landry Shamet
7 games: 9.0 points, 2.1 assists, 1.4 total rebounds 36% FG/31% 3/100% FT
Although he didn’t leave in free agency, I’d be amazed to find a Sixers fan who doesn’t miss Shamet with their whole heart, so we’re just gonna give an update on him anyways.
Shamet has started at the two in every game for the Clippers this season. That’s about where all the positives end because his season is off to a rough start. The sophomore sniper got off to a hot start shooting 62% (5/8) from three over the first two games of the season. Since then, he is shooting only 24% (8/33) from three.
He has been able to flash at times as a secondary creator, but if his three ball isn’t dropping, he doesn’t provide much. Thankfully, the Clippers have enough star power to compensate for Shamet’s slow start. Considering the type of shooter Shamet is, he could be shooting 40% by the end of the week.
Boban Marjanovic
2 games: 8.0 points, 0.5 assists, 7.5 total rebounds 50% FG/ – 3/ 0% FT
Everyone’s favorite giant made his season debut on Saturday and he delivered a vintage performance – four points, seven rebounds, and an assist in eleven minutes. Through two games, Boban has been nothing but the per-36-monster he always is. He’s averaging 22.2 points and 21 total rebounds per 36 minutes this season, which should be surprising to no one.
Right now, he’s buried a bit on the Mavericks depth chart, so minutes will likely be hard for him to come by this season. So if you ever find yourself lucky enough to actually see Boban play this season, be thankful and cherish the moment for the rest of your life. Because that’s what Boban deserves.
