The Sixers are fading, and fading fast

         It was a slow start. A really slow start for the 76ers but they fought back, and won a tough game against the Suns and Devin Booker. Joel Embiid, back from his sickness, had 33 points and grabbed 10 boards. George Niang and Tobias Harris both had 21 points, and Niang shot seven treys. Tyrese Maxey dished out 6 assists, with a meager 11 points. At the same time, it was a solid win against an excellent team, and it seemed like a rebirth for the Sixers slow start. 

    Well, no, it wasn't. After another loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the same questions remain. What is wrong with the Sixers? Why can't they get their game together? What does this mean for the season? 

    While their defense wasn't great to begin the season, they have improved, with 8.1 steals and 4.8 blocks per game. Now, as soon as they fix their defense, they have an offense to clean up. 

    While many people are saying: "Get rid of Doc Rivers," I say keep Doc. Rivers isn't the problem at all. He has led the Sixers to plenty of postseason wins to keep fans entertained, so I honestly don't understand why the fans can give up faith in the 76ers' coach. This year has been pretty pathetic, but I have faith in Rivers. Regardless of my opinions, he is definitely on the hot seat this year.

    I want to be clear here, before I say what I say. I am not saying anything negative about Joel Embiid, just stating the facts. Joel Embiid is simply one of the greatest players in the league right now. The rightful heir to the MVP award last year, Embiid led the league in points per game, and virtually single-handedly took the 76ers' to the second round. He is incredible athlete, but also gets injured a lot more than he should, and seems a little full of himself as of now. Embiid has tossed some risky passes and has given up the ball, and like Neymar of Brazilian soccer, sits down, whines and want a penalty rather than actually getting up off of the court and making himself useful. Yes Embiid is an epic player, but at the same time, he needs to recognize that he is a part of a team and needs to help. 

    As many point out as well, Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, and Paul Reed are inconsistent. Maxey can't seem to find a way to work with Embiid. Maxey obviously never works against  Embiid, but when Embiid's out, Maxey takes charge. Against the Raptors, without Embiid, Maxey was unleashed with 44 points and eight rebounds, while Harden was playing. The next game, vs the Bulls, Embiid was back and shot 25 points. No other 76er had even 16. The game after that, at Washington, Maxey had 28 points, and had 32 the following game against Washington. Both of those games, Embiid was out. The following game (again,  Embiid wasn't playing), Maxey had 31 points in a close loss to the Knicks. The past two games against the Suns and the Hawks, with Embiid back in, Maxey has had 11 and 15 points respectively. Its no secret that Maxey can lead the team, but seemingly chickens out with Embiid on the court. Maxey has 22.9 points per game this season. 

    Matisse Thybulle, for all his defensive expertise, can't play well offensively. He is averaging 0.6 steals this season, but only 1.4 points. Paul Reed is also an issue. Reed was on fire against the Knicks, with six steals and two blocks, but both his and Thybulle's incessant fouls are hurting the team. 

Tyrese Maxey is a solid guard, and has 22.9 points per game this year

Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
 

    The Sixers are 5-7, the Phillies lost the World Series, and the Union lost the MLS Cup. The only light for Philly sports are the 8-0 Eagles.  

The above photo was taken from a Yahoo Sports article written by Ky Carlin. Official photographer was not given on the page. Image was used for commentary.