76ers coach Eddie Jordan has had his starting five in place since the first practice, the first day of training camp.
Although these five have been entrusted with setting the pace at the start of each game, Jordan's offensive and defensive schemes - through the preseason - have shown he will use a rotation of 10 or 11 players. Within his Princeton offense, and at the defensive end of the floor, here's a quick-hit guide to each player's strengths and weaknesses.
Lou Williams23
Guard
Williams is one of the most effective transition guards in the NBA. He's faster and quicker than last year's starting point guard Andre Miller. Williams is most effective in breaking down his defender and getting into the lane. Within the Princeton offense, he could be effective off on-ball handoffs and quick darts to the hoop. Because ballhandling duties will be split between Williams and Andre Iguodala, some of the burden of breaking pressure has been lifted.
Although Williams has the physical abilities to be a lockdown defender, he's still in the process of proving he can play 35 minutes against the NBA's top-flight point guards.
The Sixers are high on his ability to lead a team, but that still remains an unknown quantity.
Andre Iguodala9
Guard-forward
Iguodala has repeatedly been pegged by Jordan this preseason as the team's "best player" and "on the cusp" of superstardom. Iguodala fits well within the Princeton offense because he's a smart guy who understands spacing. He reads back doors well, but at times appears to force passes within the offense. Jordan said these turnovers were a preseason phenomenon because Iguodala was merely testing what might work come regular season.
He's great at starting the break and seems faster with the ball than without.
The question mark with Iguodala is his jump shot and consistency. This season will be the one in which he can quiet those criticisms.
Thaddeus Young21
Forward
Young plays instinctually more than anything else. Because there will be so much focus on running the offense, Young is liable to get lost at the start of the season, getting his points as he did his rookie season and much of last year: by grabbing offensive boards, and finishing in transition.
Young should get some open outside shots within the Princeton.
The Sixers need him to be a better defensive rebounder and handle the ball more smoothly in traffic.
