Grading the Sixers at the break

GRADING A TEAM at the All-Star break when it has posted an 8-45 record? Why does the image of throwing chairs off the Titanic to prevent it from sinking come to mind?

The progress on the court over the two-plus seasons of The Process has been snail-like. But if you break it down over the past 22 games, there has been some progress. Much of it has to do with the Dec. 24 return of Ish Smith, who has a way of making players around him better. Coach Brett Brown believes that, while Smith has been a reliable asset, the defense has improved during that time frame, also. But that also goes back to Smith, as shot selection has improved and that means fewer easy baskets going the other way.

Anyway, the grades being handed out are given with a bit of a curve. They represent how the player is doing for this team. Almost all get an A for the effort they've given. So here goes.

Jahlil Okafor: The third overall pick has been pretty much what was advertised, maybe even a little more special at the offensive end. Though opponents have double-teamed him, know that he favors spin moves and is basically a below-the-rim player in the halfcourt, he still is very difficult to cover. He is getting better at finding open teammates and has demonstrated a legitimate midrange game. The problem, also as advertised, is his defense. Flatfooted and out of position too much, the hope is that Okafor's high basketball IQ and familiarity with foes will lead to better defense. Grade: B-

Nerlens Noel: This is an overall grade, but if one had to be given to Noel for his play as a center, it would be a solid B. As a power forward, where he has been forced to play with Okafor on the floor, his grade is a C. No one has prospered more from the reacquisition of Smith, and you wonder how much more Noel could have developed had Smith been here all season. His offensive game, mostly consisting of alley-oops, thrives with Smith. Improvement still needs to be made there, however. A signature move - a baby hook, a power dribble to the left with a strong finish - would go a long way. Grade: C+

Jerami Grant: His flashes are becoming more consistent. He is entering the elite level as a shot blocker. He's one-dimensional on offense, with not much of an outside game, but has proved to be a good defender and more active at both ends. Grade: B-

Richaun Holmes: The biggest question surrounding him is why he doesn't get more playing time. He has shown an ability to finish at the offensive end. He needs to rebound better and defend with more authority. More minutes would go a long way to helping that. Grade: C

Carl Landry: His time has been sporadic since he returned in late December from a wrist injury. He has played in just 13 games, too small a sample size.

Incomplete

Robert Covington: There may be no more an improved player on the team, when he doesn't disappear, which he did for about a 13-game span starting in mid-January. His shot is legit, and he's beginning to be able to score in other ways, also. He's gotten better at using his long body defensively, especially getting into passing lanes. Grade: C

JaKarr Sampson: For attitude alone, Sampson gets an A-plus. There is no one better liked in the locker room. Whether his playing time is ample or minimal, as it has been lately, you can't tell by his attitude. His play, however, is sporadic at best. Grade: D

Ish Smith: He is the talk of the season for this team, despite being around for only 22 games. Why he wasn't brought back for the beginning of the season probably goes back to the tanking part of The Process. He has brought an energy that benefits the young players around him. Not sure if he's the future starting point guard for this team, but he should be considered part of the process moving forward. Grade: B+

Nik Stauskas: His season has been marred by annoying injuries that have left him less than 100 percent much of the time. Once in a while, you see the offensive potential that followed him out of Michigan. But not enough of the time as of yet. Grade: C-

T.J. McConnell: To even have imagined this undrafted rookie making any kind of contribution to the team would have been surprising. He has proved he belongs in the league, and has done a terrific job as both a starter and reserve. Grade: B+

Isaiah Canaan: His decision-making at times leaves people scratching their heads. He is also a one-dimensional player, but that allows the floor to open up for the likes of Okafor and Noel. He can provide that offensive spark off the bench, but if that isn't there, he's a liability. Grade: C-

Kendall Marshall: His body, after suffering a torn ACL last season, just hasn't allowed him to be quick enough or fast enough. He possesses those old-school, lefthanded point-guard skills and might see the floor better than any of the other guards. But he's just not NBA-ready right now. Grade: D

Hollis Thompson: Quietly, he has been pretty solid during his three seasons with the team, shooting close to 40 percent from three-point range. Still, like others on the team, he doesn't offer much after that. Grade: C-

Brett Brown: This is the toughest of all grades. There is the obvious, that he hasn't been able to really showcase what kind of an in-game coach he can be due to the limited rosters he's been dealt. His ability to keep the team together can't be overstated.

He has to mainly be graded on the development of players, because that is what he was brought here for. Even that is hard to grade, mainly due to injuries to key players.

This job, right now, is about so much more than the games.

Grade: B+

@BobCooney76

Blog: philly.com/Sixersblog