NBA Philadelphia 76ers

Tony Worten’s Absence Will Benefit Philadelphia 76ers

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By @Greg_Sacidor

John Geliebter - USA TODAY Sports

John Geliebter – USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers announced Friday that guard Tony Wroten will be out of action due to a knee injury. Although this may appear to be a big loss, it is actually just the opposite.

Wednesday night in the 76ers’ loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Wroten was seen visibly limping as the game approached its conclusion. In a game in which the 76ers were searching to avoid a franchise-worst start to the season, Wroten ignored the pain, in an attempt to get the 76ers their first win in 15 tries. Wroten was later diagnosed with a sprained right knee, and according to the team he will be out for at least a week, if not more.

On the season, Wroten leads the 76ers in points, assists, steals and minutes per game. But the most telling stat of all for Wroten is that he also leads the team and the NBA in turnovers per game with 4.2. Injury or no injury, down the stretch against the Nets, Wroten single handedly cost the 76ers their first win of the season. But, this has become a common theme for Wroten this year, as late in several close games, he has decided to play his own brand of “hero ball,” which ultimately ends up costing the 76ers a victory.

During Wroten’s absence, guard Alexey Shved will once again see an increase in minutes. When Michael Carter-Williams was out with his own early-season injury, Shved played the role of backup point guard behind the then-starter Wroten. But once Carter-Williams returned, Shved saw his minutes cut. As he is once again the 76ers’ backup point guard, Shved will provide the team with a more consistent ball-handler, who will not turn it over at nearly the rate that Wroten has. Although Wroten may be a more prolific scorer, Shved will compensate for this by bringing a much better three-point shooting touch to the lineup. Not only will Shved’s shooting touch give the 76ers something that they have been lacking as of late, but it will also open driving lanes for many of the 76ers’ players whose games are predicated on getting to the basket.

On the surface, Wroten’s injury may seem as just another obstacle for the 76ers to climb over in order to get their first win of the 2014-15 season. But whether it’s an unnecessary circus-shot or an unforced turnover, Wroten and his reckless style of play’s absence from the lineup will only benefit the Philadelphia 76ers.

Greg Sacidor is a Philadelphia 76ers and NBA writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Greg_Sacidor or add him to your network on Google.

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