One of the biggest needs for the Philadelphia 76ers coming into the 2019-2020 NBA season was the back-up point guard position behind Ben Simmons. The team added Raul Neto and Trey Burke to fill that hole, but now, the time has come to see who will emerge as the primary option.
Simmons suffered a Grade 1 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder against the Utah Jazz and both Neto and Burke will have a big responsibility as a result. The point guard position is very important on both sides of the ball for the Sixers. Simmons was the quarterback of this offense, and on defense, he would help set-up his teammates and take on the best player on the opposing side.
During their most recent loss, Raul Neto stepped up in the absence of Simmons and gave the team some good minutes during the game. He was able to use his quickness to get easy shots for his teammates and he played defense well. Neto scored 11 points, had four assists, and had three steals.
The Brazilian was able to give the Sixers some quality minutes and with Simmons being ruled out against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, he looks to be up for more of the same.
As for Trey Burke, he’s not been able to get into a game yet this season. With Simmons injured, he will play an important role backing up Neto. Burke can create his own shot and is deadly from beyond the arc. Last season saw him score 11.9 points per game and amass a 34% three-point field goal percentage.
The Sixers need a player who can consistently make a three-pointer to open the floor up for Joel Embiid and Al Horford. Burke can be that guy, and with the Sixers being down a player he should get ample opportunity to prove he can do so.
The Sixers need one of these players to step-up as they face the Denver Nuggets tonight. They need a win after losing back to back games to the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz.
The Nuggets have guards who can shoot from beyond the arc, and that has given the Sixers problems on this road trip. So, they will need some solid play from Neto and Burke on both sides of the ball if they want to get their sixth win of the young season.
Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
