Keith Pompey here, the host of the daily Locked On 76ers podcast, with your daily Locked On 76ers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the 76ers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Home and Away
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Analysis In the Sixers’ victory over the Rockets, Tyrese Maxey’s standout performance was crucial, while Ricky Council and Guerschon Yabusele also contributed significantly. The team’s depth played a key role. (Liberty Ballers)
Analysis The Sixers’ use of two-way contracts with players like Lester Quinones and Adem Bona is examined in this piece, highlighting the strategic advantages and development opportunities within the G League system. (Philly Voice)
Feel Good Paul George is “100% sure” the 76ers will turn their season around, despite historical challenges. (CBS Sports)
Must Read LaMelo’s proclivity for fouls, how many wins Philadelphia needs for the play-in, examining OKC’s defense, and more. (ESPN+)
Feel Good The Pistons’ willingness to spend, the Nets’ and Lakers’ new coach, and more things for each NBA team to be thankful for. (CBS Sports)
Analysis A roundtable of experts discusses the league’s biggest storylines after the first month of the season. (Fansided)
League at Large
Giving thanks for a better-than-expected rookie class
Happy Thanksgiving! To give you something to talk about with your undoubtedly NBA-fluent families and friends, here are some rookie rankings to chew over.
1. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
Over his last ten games, McCain has averaged 23 points per game (top 25 in the league in that span) on solid efficiency, including 39% from deep on crazy volume. Philly hasn’t had much to cheer about this season, but McCain’s surprising on-ball creation and superb off-ball movement have Philly fans seeing a future star (wait, maybe that’s just their court). I’m obsessed with this little moonwalk he uses to shake OG Anunoby juuuust enough to bury a shuriken in his eye:
McCain moonwalks into a three over OG Anunoby
McCain likely won’t score like this when the team’s fully healthy (and he’s cooled off the last two games), but the fact that he can is a great sign for the team’s present and future.
2. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Castle has risen to second place thanks to an excellent recent stretch. Since becoming a starter, Castle’s averaged 15 points, three boards, and five assists while playing ferocious defense.
Castle is incredibly versatile. At nearly 6’6” pre-shoes and pre-hair, he has the size and speed to fill any number of roles. As I wrote about at length here, he’s quickly becoming the perfect amorphous fit next to Victor Wembanyama.
Although his three-point accuracy is still developing, Castle’s confidence in his shot is the skeleton key that unlocks the rest of his offensive game. And the more effective he is on offense, the more opportunity he’s given to create absolute havoc on defense.
I’m particularly intrigued by his ability to be a faux-big man in the screen and roll:
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
In case you missed it...
Nov 26, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center Lauri Markkanen (23) on the floor after a collision with San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images | Christopher Creveling/Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Another Lauri Markkanen Injury For Fantasy Basketball Managers To Digest | Lauri Markkanen’s recent knee injury could sideline him for at least a week, impacting fantasy basketball strategies. This opens opportunities for players like John Collins, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh to increase their roles and fantasy value.
Ja Morant Is Set To Return And Impact Fantasy Basketball Leagues | Monday’s NBA action saw significant fantasy basketball impacts, with Gary Harris and Jalen Suggs suffering hamstring injuries, potentially increasing roles for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black.
