Sixers pre-camp questions: Can retooled 2nd unit get the job done in playoffs?

Sixers pre-camp questions: Can retooled 2nd unit get the job done in playoffs? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers‘ new era is on deck.

With LeBron James and Jaylen Brown on board and training camp set to begin in late September, we’re taking a look at key questions for the 2026-27 Sixers.

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We’ve asked:

Next up: Can the Sixers’ retooled second unit get the job done in the playoffs?

The Sixers’ offseason transformation wasn’t solely about the stars. Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons, Ariel Hukporti, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and rookie Labaron Philon Jr. are all new bench pieces.

The 33-year-old Caldwell-Pope is hoping to earn a third NBA championship. Hukporti won his first title as the third-string center on the 2025-26 Knicks.

The Sixers have also added a pair of new two-way contract players in Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert. Their third two-way slot remains open. Tacko Fall, Jameer Nelson Jr. and Dillon Jones are among the players who have signed Exhibit 10 deals with the team.

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Sixers head coach Nick Nurse will work to land on optimal rotations. He likely won’t start with perfection, although the clarity of Wade and Simons’ roles should help.

Both Simons and Wade project to be integral, every-game bench players when they’re available. Wade’s main tasks will be playing stellar, dogged on-ball defense and sinking open jumpers. Simons will be asked to launch three-pointers and mesh smoothly with his fellow guards. He averaged 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists last season in 24.9 minutes per game.

The 27-year-old is eager to play with starters Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

“Just helping them out as much as I can,” Simons said in a July virtual press conference, “whether it’s handling the ball or being off the ball, giving them space to work. … Just doing whatever it takes for us to be successful as a team. People say Tyrese had a big workload the last couple years — him and VJ. I’m just here to help them in any way they need to relieve some pressure.”

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As far as both simple shotmaking and team spacing, Simons’ deep range should benefit the Sixers.

He attempted…

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Publish date : 2026-09-14 13:32:00

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