“THE ADDITIONS OF
MARCO BELINELLI
AND ERSAN ILYASOVA
GAVE THE TEAM
SOME MUCH NEEDED
SHOOTING AND DEPTH
TO THEIR ROSTER
LAST SEASON, BOTH
OF WHICH ARE KEY
THINGS T HEY’RE
CURRENTLY
LACKING.”
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
BECKETT BASKETBALL 13
Securing Jimmy Butler has strengthened Philadelphia’s
case for a top Eastern Conference seed in their own
right. Where they rank among the other three teams re-
mains up for debate. Philadelphia were only able to take
one game from Boston in their Conference Semiinal
Series a few months ago. Even in the absence of Gordon
Hayward and Kyrie Irving the occasion proved too much
for the Sixers as their lack of experience showed on the
biggest stage.
he addition of Butler, a proven playof performer,
gives them an extra weapon to combat the glut of talent
at the top of the Conference. Toronto’s regular season
form so far has given them a great chance at knocking
the monkey of it’s back when it comes to playof suc-
cess. Kawhi Leonard hasn’t even reached his peak yet
and they’re already on a rampage.
Philadelphia will need to add some extra talent in the
trade deadline and in the buyout market to really give
themselves a shot at taking out the East. he additions
of Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova gave the team
some much needed shooting and depth to their roster
last season, both of which are key things they’re cur-
rently lacking.
he Jimmy Butler trade has shited the narrative for
Philadelphia and the East as a whole. he balance of
power has tipped markedly eastward. Depending on
how you view Houston’s chances, there’s a fair argument
to be made that four of the ive best teams currently
reside in the Eastern Conference. Butler’s arrival only
strengthened that case even further.