A strong offseason had many pegging the Philadelphia 76ers as a title contender.
They had two superstars in Joel Embiid and James Harden, a budding star in Tyrese Maxey, and a deeper supporting cast than in years past.
Through 11 games, they look nothing like a serious title contender.
The 76ers are 5-6 with a +1.6 net rating.
This has not been the start Daryl Morey envisioned before the season began.
1. 76ers Are Poor In Transition
Pairing Harden with Maxey was supposed to better the Sixers’ transition offense.
Harden’s passing and Maxey’s speed would help the team run more and get some easy buckets.
Acquiring wings such as P.J. Tucker, Danuel House Jr., and De’Anthony Melton would help a team who struggled defensively last year as well.
However, Philadelphia’s play in transition has not improved yet.
Offensively, the 76ers score the third-fewest points per game in transition.
While they score efficiently when they get out in transition (1.23 points per possession – fourth best in the NBA), they don’t run much.
Their 14 transition possessions per game rank dead last in the league.
The 76ers transition defense is laughable.
— Carlan Gay (@TheCarlanGay) October 27, 2022
Defensively is just as bleak.
The 19.4 transition possessions they allow per game is at least outside of the bottom 10.
But they are bottom five when it comes to transition points allowed per game (24.0) and transition points allowed per possession (1.24).
To become a true contender, the 76ers need to clean things up in transition.
2. Slow Start From Embiid
While his stat line may not show it, 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has not looked like an MVP candidate to start the year.
28.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game on 50.8% shooting looks excellent on paper.
But the eye test has told a different tale.
Embiid has looked a step slow and disengaged defensively at times.
He has not been the force he has been in recent seasons.
Is it panic time for the 76ers? @RohanNadkarni breaks down Joel Embiid and Philly’s slow start https://t.co/ofFKN5WLO0
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 28, 2022
After the season began, Sixers coach Doc Rivers revealed Embiid dealt with plantar fasciitis during the offseason.
That may have cost him some conditioning near the start of the season.
On offense, Embiid has not been as sharp with his handle and decision-making.
The 3.6 turnovers per game he is averaging are his worst mark since his second season.
His sloppy play at times is a far cry from what he put on tape last season.
Embiid was much better in the win against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
He shot poorly (8-21 from the field) but got to the line 16 times while making smart reads with the ball in his hands.
Embiid also looked more locked in defensively.
With Harden out for the next month, it will be on Embiid to carry the 76ers.
NEXT: NBA Fans React To James Harden Injury News