dailyloe.com – On Wednesday night, the Philadelphia 76ers struggled without Joel Embiid, losing depth during Game 2. Tyrese Maxey played 47 minutes, while the team shot just 21% in the fourth quarter. This performance highlighted the Sixers’ lack of bench options, prompting renewed discussions about Jared McCain’s trade.
Quentin Grimes has emerged as the Sixers’ de facto sixth man, averaging 22.4 minutes and 7.1 points per game in the playoffs. In Game 2, the team relied on Andre Drummond and Adem Bona to support Embiid. However, both players faced foul trouble, leading to Dominick Barlow’s late-game minutes, which provided some energy.
McCain has averaged only 5.3 minutes and 3 points per game during the playoffs, primarily due to the depth of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who utilize players like Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso. McCain played 15 minutes in Game 1 against the Lakers, but only 21 minutes across three games against the Suns.
The Sixers cannot compete with the Thunder’s depth, especially with Embiid’s absence. This situation raises the question of whether McCain could contribute against the Knicks. Coach Nick Nurse did not utilize other guards or wings off the bench during the game.
Maxey’s high-usage game was marked by his inability to score in the fourth quarter. Paul George played 43 minutes, while both VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre Jr. logged 40 minutes each. The lack of bench support means the Sixers are relying heavily on their starters.
The Sixers have not upgraded their roster since the trade deadline, leading to concerns about their depth. The team hasn’t advanced past the second round since George W. Bush’s first year in office. Coach Nurse’s rotation strategy seems limited, with fewer players available for critical playoff games.
The discussions around McCain’s potential role have intensified as the team faces elimination risks due to their thin roster. As the playoffs continue, the Sixers’ depth issues remain a significant concern, especially in high-stakes games.
