Sixers’ loaded offense gives Nick Nurse plenty of options, decisions

The 76ers certainly don’t appear to have a shortage of ways to score.

In fact, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice writes that Philadelphia may have more offensive firepower than at almost any point in recent franchise history, with Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe giving coach Nick Nurse an almost ridiculous number of options.

That’s the good news. Figuring out how to use all of them is the interesting part.

Aaronson suggests Nurse will almost certainly need to stagger his stars throughout the season. There simply aren’t enough shots or possessions to give five accomplished scorers their usual offensive freedom when they’re sharing the floor.

That should make the regular season something of a laboratory for Nurse, particularly with the playoffs in mind. Different combinations will need to be tested so Philadelphia has a better idea of which groups work when the postseason arrives.

Embiid may be the biggest variable. He’s expected to play fewer minutes than the Sixers’ other stars, and Philadelphia doesn’t have the same proven depth behind him at center. His preferred pace also differs from a roster that otherwise has plenty of players capable of getting out and running.

That could leave Nurse spending more time experimenting with combinations involving James, Brown, Maxey and Edgecombe.

One pairing Aaronson finds particularly intriguing is James and Maxey. Even at this stage of his career, James remains an elite facilitator, while Maxey’s speed, shooting and ability to work without the ball could make the two a natural fit.

It’s a nice problem for Nurse to have.

The Sixers have enough scoring to survive an injury or two without the offense completely collapsing. The larger question may be how Nurse keeps everybody involved when they’re all healthy.