On Thursday, Doc Rivers snatched an opportunity to sculpt a young tandem -- Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons -- whose stardom would tantalize any coach, but who have yet to make good on their talent. Rivers enters a Philadelphia 76ers organization with title aspirations that believes an upgrade on the bench can realize those expectations.
The Sixers have a ton of work to do, both in the front office and down on the court. They need shooters and shot creators so they can develop a competitive offensive gameplan. Rivers will be charged with the latter, but the bulk of Rivers' grade will ultimately rest on how he corrals, inspires and teaches Embiid and Simmons.