5 offseason needs for the Philadelphia 76ers
1. Add bench shooters
Even if the Sixers retain all of their notable non-center free agents — Butler, Harris, Redick, Scott and Ennis, they’ll need to add more shooters to their bench.
By the end of the Raptors series, Brett Brown was effectively down to a seven-man rotation, as he could not trust the likes of Jonathon Simmons and Furkan Korkmaz. Zhaire Smith will be ticketed for a larger role next year after a lost rookie season, but long-range shooting isn’t his forte, either.
After giving up rookie sharpshooter Landry Shamet in the trade for Harris in February, the Sixers can only hope lightning strikes twice this year.
Perhaps they snag someone at No. 24 who can make an immediate impact as a rookie, much like Shamet did this past season. Maybe USC 2-guard Kevin Porter Jr., who shot 28-of-68 from deep (41.2 percent) as a freshman, takes an unexpected draft-day tumble, or Virginia combo guard Ty Jerome (39.9 percent from 3) is the answer.
If not, they’ll have to go discount hunting in free agency.
Next. To save the Lakers, LeBron James needs to flex his influence. dark
Terrence Ross, Danny Green and Jeremy Lamb all may be out of the Sixers’ price range, while Rodney Hood and Seth Curry have likely made themselves some serious money with inspired playoff showings this spring. Reggie Bullock, Garrett Temple, Alec Burks and Wayne Ellington may be among the veteran options the Sixers consider, while a 3-and-D wing like David Nwaba would fit like a glove, too.
The Sixers’ reserves averaged only 31.7 points per game during the regular season, the fourth-lowest mark leaguewide. They’ll need more from their bench next year.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com or Basketball Reference. All salary information via Basketball Insiders.
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