By Dashawn Hendricks, Sports Talk Philly Staff Writer 
The Sixers dropped their second straight preseason game on Saturday night against the Cavs, 108-105. despite another strong night from second year center Richaun Holmes. The Bowling Green grad finished with 19 points and six rebounds off the bench while Sergio Rodriguez added 15 points and eight assists.
Although it is just preseason, the Sixers again showed a lack of late game heroics when Rodriguez hoisted a ill advised three late in the shot clock that could have put them ahead. But no fear, Sixer fans, there were bright spots as Joel Embiid showed some wow moments, including an emphatic one-handed jam in the first quarter. Dario Saric showed some growing pains while Richaun Holmes continues to make the Sixers center logjam a four-man problem instead of three.
Here are five takeaways from Saturdays loss:
Joel Embiid continues to be fun to watch
Once Joel Embiid gets his rust off and gets the feel of the pro game down the kid is going to be special. Embiid played 13 minutes tonight, going 4-10 from the field, tallying 12 points and four rebounds. Embiid showed some versatility in his game, hitting a three point field goal in the second quarter. The confidence he showed shooting that shot will have Sixers fans foaming out of the mouth once he rounds into form.
21 SPLASH 💦 https://t.co/n5sHtpHAeW
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) October 9, 2016
Saric Simmons & Embiid will be worth the wait
Watching the chemistry being built between Dario Saric and Joel Embiid, I couldn't help but start to wonder, wow, these young guys are going to be exciting to watch if only they had someone to run the show. Well, the will when Ben Simmons returns. Whenever Simmons returns, the offense will almost exclusively run through him, and when it does, expect him to feed Embiid and play some give and go with Saric. There was a play in the first quarter where Saric waited patiently until Embiid cut through the lane to hit him with a pass for a slam. Simmons will only add to those plays which will be good news for a team that at times looks uncomfortable offensively.
OK JOJO 😳 https://t.co/PAuc9pB1Jz
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) October 8, 2016
Jared Bayless, Jahlil Okafor and Cat Barber will help solidify the offense upon return
The thing that all three of these guys have in common? They put the ball in the hoop. Too many times throughout the preseason, the Sixers have lacked a go to scorer. While guys have stepped up when needed Bayless, Okafor and yes even Barber can go get you a bucket against a set defense. Injuries have really bit this team.
Holmes is forcing Browns hand
Richaun Holmes has been balling this preseason and it's only a matter of time before Brett Brown will be forced to take minutes away from somebody else to give to Holmes. Nerlens Noel said this team has three quality starting centers and they all need playing time. Well, so does Holmes and there is no doubt he has earned it. He offers nice offensive upside with very strong defense, as shown with the block below.
.@Rich_Holmes22 sends a souvenir to a fan. https://t.co/8HoimtjgLR
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) October 9, 2016
Summer League, Preaseason…The Sixers continue to play hard
The Sixers continue to play hard no matter the contest and again it goes back to Brett Brown. Throughout Brown's tenure, no matter what roster he has been given, he continues to get his team to compete at a high level. Once guys return from injury, this team will be extremely exciting to watch and has a bright future ahead of them.
