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In the midst of building their new roster, the Sixers find themselves shopping in the bargain basket. Here are five inexpensive options for the team.
The NBA’s free agency period has been going at a breakneck pace so far. A flurry of movement was formalized in the league just minutes after the official free agency period start time at 6 p.m. ET. In a flash, most of the popular players in the market signed new deals.
Former all-stars Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul, Demar Derozan and Kyle Lowry all enjoyed a brief stint as free agents and signed new contracts within 48 hours of the start of free agency. The Sixers weren’t serious bidders for any of the aforementioned players, with the possible exception of Lowry, but even that was a long shot.
Yet even though the team had no plans to prosecute them, the top half of the rapidly flying free agent market is having an impact on the Sixers. Now, with even fewer options in a fairly weak free agent class, expect Daryl Morey and the Sixers to explore all the options as they attempt to extract value from the remaining market.
Here are five low-cost free agent options that could have a positive impact on next year’s Sixers squad.
James Ennis
Any back speech aside, a reunion between James Ennis and the Sixers makes a lot of sense. Ennis, 31, is a very capable 3-and-D player. The veteran sniper shot a staggering 43% from depth last season, the third highest mark in his seven-year career. In addition, almost 40% of his total points were scored by three points last season.
Ennis knows his role and sometimes excels at it. He would be a solid bench option for Philly and one they wouldn’t have to break the bank for.
DeMarcus Cousins
Even with Andre Drummond signing this week, the Sixers are still set to kick DeMarcus Cousins’ tires.
For starters, you can never have too much confidence in Joel Embiid. The Sixers star has notably struggled with injuries throughout his career, so stocking up on talented greats isn’t a bad option for Philly.
Second, although he’s much more still than his old self, Cousins is still a great, very capable NBA center. Rim protection is still not his strength, but the former Sacramento Kings star can score in a number of ways.
He’s still a force around the rim and has as smooth a shot as you’ll find in a player his size.
In my opinion, Boogie would be even a better option for backing up Embiid than Drummond. Hopefully the Sixers go for the former all-star while he can still be had.
Frank Kaminsky
Yes, another big man’s target. I don’t hate Andre Drummond, I promise. I just think there are better options out there that should be of interest to Philly. Enter Frank Kaminsky.
Kaminsky has carved out a great career since being drafted ninth in 2015. A former Wisconsin star, Kaminsky’s offensive play has translated well for the pros. He doesn’t wow anyone with his athleticism or his physique, but he finds a way to produce for his team.
The 7-footer is a downtown shooter and would be a massive improvement over last year’s Sixers reserve big man Mike Scott. Unlike Scott, Kaminsky can actually fill the role of a large stretch and would give Doc Rivers the type of bench weapon that is not currently hosted on the roster.
JJ Redick
Redick is no longer the electric sniper he once was, but the veteran winger could still spark the interest of his old team. In Philly, Redick showed great chemistry with Sixers star Joel Embiid and played significant minutes on one of the best Philly basketball teams in franchise history.
Injuries have slowed him down since his last stint at Philly, but Redick probably still has enough in the tank for at least another year. At worst, it would be a potential spark plug bank option that could get hot quickly. And he probably would do it for the vet’s minimum. It might be worth having a flyer to help fill out the list.
Avery bradley
It looks like the Sixers and veteran guard Danny Green are headed for a split. If so, Avery Bradley makes sense as a veteran target for Philly.
Longtime defense specialist Bradley, like Green, could help mentor young Sixers players and improve their defensive technique. In addition to mentoring, Bradley could help lock down the perimeter alongside aspiring star Matisse Thybulle in Doc Rivers’ second unit. For pennies on the dollar, Bradley is worth a visit for the Sixers.
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