Sixers forward Mike Scott is providing fans with incredible content
When Sixers general manager Elton Brand pulled off a blockbuster trade deadline deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to fortify his rotation, everyone assumed Tobias Harris, Mike Scott and Boban Marjanovic would be welcomed additions who’d provide an impact. As Philadelphia sits on the brink of eliminating Brooklyn, Harris is posting star-like numbers (19.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, 55.2 effective field goal percentage), Scott punctuated an admirable Sixers game-four comeback with a clutch corner three and Marjanovic is an offensive mismatch with defensive holes that render him a one-way big.
Collectively, they offer considerably more production than what former Sixers Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler and Mike Muscala would contribute in this year’s playoffs. For Philadelphia fans, the arrivals are winning over the Sixers faithful through efficient offense and, as a nice bonus, their status as rotational members. However, Scott has transformed into a fan favorite in just over two months time.
Scott’s appeal is reminiscent of Process Sixers talents who helped usher in some highly memorable slogans. Now, Scott is continuing what his predecessors supplied — exceptional content.
The Hive
Most likely, the first aspect you notice upon looking at Mike Scott is his large collection of emoji tattoos adorning his body. Scroll on your phone through the emojis, pick out a random one and it’s likely somewhere on Scott. Additionally to his infamous ink, Scott has become the subject matter of Liberty Ballers writer and Sixers Twitter member, Matt Del Rio.
Scott’s sizable impression as a stretch big man Sixers fans can find adoration for also is exhibited among the denizens of the “Mike Scott Hive”. For those who are unaware of what a hive on social media represents, it’s a fan group of a certain player or entity. One of the wonderful social media aspects is that fans can rally behind a player, show their support and build up a slogan — similar to “Trust the Process” with Joel Embiid and “Beast Mode” with Marshawn Lynch.
The University of Virginia product is now a part of his fourth team over his eighth NBA season and is gaining massive fanfare via his gameplay.
Though shooting an inconsistent (Game 1: 1-of-8, Game 2: 3-of-5, Game 3: 0-of-4, Game 4: 2-of-4) 30.6 percent from deep through Philadelphia’s first-round series against the Nets, Scott’s dagger Saturday only amplified his exposure among Sixers fans.
As Philadelphia finds its playoff rotation downsized to eight players, Brett Brown is turning to Scott for efficient floor spacing off the Sixers’ bench. Playoff minutes and regular season minutes don’t hold equal weight. Last season, Ersan Ilyasova sparkled upon returning to Philadelphia but the dividends quickly diminished come playoff time. Scott, hopefully, can buck the trend.
Scott’s Sixers Quotes
Player quotes can be a tremendous content resource. Joel Embiid has people in suspense, waiting for what Instagram caption he’ll post after a memorable performance or important win. He’s a social media savant whose entertaining personality shines both on and off the court. He also has a way with words in interviews that make him one of sports’ most interesting athletes.
Recently, Mike Scott might not have taken the mantle from Embiid but he’s also offered some content gems. Between touting his corner three as cashing out and adamantly defending his role in the Embiid-Eric Bledsoe fight, where he tossed a basketball back at Bledsoe after Bledsoe blindsided Embiid with a shove, Scott is providing some gems of his own. (NSFW)
Scott’s statement, following their Milwaukee win, influenced Sixers Twitter’s @TheEricaB to make a shirt designed around Scott’s comment for TeePublic, with additional stylistic elements. When Scott caught notice of Sixers Twitter’s @dmay706’s tweet, where he mentioned he purchased the shirt, Scott wanted to know if he could cop one for himself.
Fan-player interaction is rare on social media and amidst a playoff run where the Sixers are up 3–1 on their opponents, Scott noticing fan appreciation and responding is a cool addition to their success.
Assistant to the Threegional Manager, Mike Scott
Mike Scott, the basketball player, dribbles better than Stanley, shoots better than Jim and has a tighter handle than Kevin. The Office references come easy with Scott as a Sixer. He shares a name with the main character Michael Scott, who has gobs of quality GIFs, and one Office mention when Scott drains a three is bound to earn you Twitter engagement.
Couple the Michael Scott references with Tobias Harris Arrested Development mentions and Elton Brand really benefited Sixers fans in the social department. While on-court contributions reign, players can be appreciated by their character as well. Mike Scott certainly is one and fans are soaking up every minute he’s here in Philadelphia as the Sixers’ stretch four.