Game #16: Sixers vs Magic Outline- Will Jimmy Buckets Fit Right In?
This is the game we’ve been waiting for since the trade news emerged. Jimmy Butler is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, and he’s making his debut tonight in Orlando against the 6-8 Magic. So far, Jimmy has been saying all of the right things about wanting to win, and we’ll get to see how that translates on the court.
“I love basketball. That’s where my energy comes from. I love to compete.”@JimmyButler on his consistent energy on the court. #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/GErPe94By9
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 14, 2018
The Sixers are coming off of a nice short-staffed team win in Miami. The Magic are coming off of a road loss to the Wizards.
The lineup got shook, aside from Jimmy being an obvious starter:
- PG – Ben
- SG: JJ
- SF: Jimmy
- PF: Chandler
- C: Jo
That means Markelle Fultz is relegated to leading the second group off the bench. Will he respond? I firmly believe that the problem, other than whatever might be plaguing Fultz physically or mentally, is that he’s a point guard. And a dynamic one. Dynamic point guards need the ball in their hands…a lot. Welp, with Ben having the rookie season he had, there’s no way Fultz is going to bump him from that spot.
Here’s what Brett Brown had to say on the move:
#Sixers coach Brett Brown on Markelle Fultz, who lost his starting spot. pic.twitter.com/HpIU21ceiM
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 14, 2018
It’ll be interesting to watch, to say the least.
One could imagine that Ben Simmons is pretty excited to have another option to dish to, an option that isn’t afraid to shoot the ball. With Butler’s experience, I don’t worry about meshing as much, but we might see some early cheap turnovers due to lack of familiarity. Also, Brown more than likely installed some pick and roll plays specifically for Butler, which will be a welcomed sight.
